Muktar Aliyu Betara biography, career achievements, net worth

Muktar Aliyu Betara is a prominent Nigerian politician, accountant, and long-serving lawmaker representing the Biu/Bayo/Shani/Kwaya Kusar Federal Constituency of Borno State in the House of Representatives.

He has served continuously since 2007 and is regarded as one of the most influential legislators from Nigeria’s North-East region.

Background

Muktar Aliyu Betara was born on November 22, 1966, in Biu, Borno State, Nigeria. He hails from Zara Wuyaku Ward in Biu Local Government Area and was born into a large family as the 20th of 21 children.

His father was a civil servant who headed several community councils, while his mother was a devoted housewife.

Academic journey

Betara began his education at Biu Central Primary School in 1973 and obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1978.

He proceeded to Biu Central Junior Day Secondary School before attending Government Technical Secondary School, Benishek, Borno State, where he obtained his West African School Certificate in 1983.

During his secondary school years, he demonstrated leadership qualities and served as head prefect.

He later gained admission into Ramat Polytechnic Maiduguri, where he obtained an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in Business Administration in 1986.

He subsequently returned to the institution and earned a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Accounting and Business Administration in 1992.

Professional career

Before venturing into politics, Betara worked as an accountant. Between 1986 and 1990, he served with the Presidency under the Directorate for Food, Roads and Rural Infrastructure (DFFRI).

After completing his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme at the Delta State Government House in Asaba, he joined the defunct Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) in 1993.

At NITEL, he rose through the ranks to become a manager before voluntarily retiring in 2006 to pursue a political career.

Entry into politics

Betara entered politics on the platform of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and contested for the House of Representatives seat for the Biu/Bayo/Shani/Kwaya Kusar Federal Constituency in 2007.

He won the election and has since been re-elected multiple times, making him one of the longest-serving lawmakers from the North-East region of Nigeria.

He later joined the All Progressives Congress, under which he secured subsequent electoral victories.

Leadership roles in the National Assembly

Throughout his legislative career, Betara has held several strategic positions in the House of Representatives.

From 2007 to 2011, he served as Chairman of the Sub-Committee on NDIC, Banking and Currency.

He also served on the House Committee on Interior and chaired the Sub-Committee on Customs, Immigration and Prisons Pension Office (CIPPO).

Between 2011 and 2015, Betara served as Chairman of the House Committee on the Army. In that role, he made recommendations aimed at strengthening military operations and supporting efforts against insurgency in Northern Nigeria.

From 2015 to 2019, he served as Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, where he played a major role in legislative oversight of Nigeria’s defence sector and military operations.

In 2019, during the 9th National Assembly, Betara emerged as Chairman of the influential House Committee on Appropriations.

The committee oversees Nigeria’s federal budget process and coordinates appropriation matters involving all House committees.

Under his leadership, Nigeria successfully transitioned from the June-to-June budget cycle to the January-to-December fiscal calendar, improving budget implementation and planning.

In the 10th Assembly, he currently serves as Chairman of the House Committee on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Legislative contributions and bills

Betara has sponsored and supported several legislative initiatives during his time in the National Assembly.

Some of the notable bills associated with him include the Defence Research and Development Bureau Bill and legislation seeking to improve export standards and enforcement processes in Nigeria.

Philanthropy

Beyond politics, Betara is widely known for his philanthropic activities and grassroots development efforts within his constituency.

He has supported projects in healthcare, education, youth empowerment, infrastructure, and community development across Biu, Bayo, Shani, and Kwaya Kusar communities.

Personal life

Betara is a devout Muslim and is married to Hajiya Hauwa Betara. The couple is blessed with children.

Net worth

Muktar Betara’s net worth could not be accessed as at the time of this post, Gazette Post will keep it updated in due time.