Dr. Zakari Tsiga, Spacial Agro-Industrial Processing Zones Program, Nigeria.
Dr. Zakari Danlami Tsiga is a seasoned professional with a decade of impactful experience in IT-enabled project operations, business intelligence, and portfolio monitoring. Based in Abuja, Nigeria, he is recognized for driving digital transformation initiatives and aligning multi-stakeholder programs with institutional and donor strategies. With a career that spans government and multilateral agencies—including the African Development Bank (AfDB), IFAD, and ISDB—Dr. Tsiga has consistently delivered innovative solutions in financial systems, risk management, and process automation. His leadership at the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones Program (SAPZ) has transformed project operations through tools like SAP and Power BI. A dedicated scholar and practitioner, Dr. Tsiga blends academic rigor with real-world impact, evidenced by numerous conference presentations and publications. His passion lies in fostering financial inclusion, institutional efficiency, and sustainability through digital governance.
👨💼 Profile
Orcid
🎓 Education
Dr. Zakari Tsiga’s academic journey is distinguished by excellence and interdisciplinary knowledge. He holds a PhD in Project Management and an MSc in Financial Systems Engineering from the prestigious University College London (UCL). He also earned an MSc in Management Information Systems (Merit) and a BSc in Network Computing (First Class) from Coventry University, UK. His foundation in Business Information Technology was laid at INTI International University, Malaysia, while his IGCSE credentials from Manarat International School, Saudi Arabia, highlight strong early academic performance. These diverse academic experiences, across countries and disciplines, have equipped Dr. Tsiga with a global perspective, technical mastery, and analytical rigor essential for navigating the complex challenges of project governance, digital transformation, and strategic innovation in developing economies.
💼 Experience
Over the last ten years, Dr. Tsiga has held pivotal roles in Nigeria’s public sector and donor-funded programs. As Program Operations Manager for the SAPZ Program, he manages a multi-state portfolio funded by AfDB, IFAD, and ISDB—delivering real-time monitoring tools, budgeting frameworks, and digital transformation strategies. At the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), his roles evolved from Business Analyst to Program Manager for IT Risk and Security, where he led enterprise risk controls and privacy initiatives. During his tenure at NNPC, he provided technical and procurement support during his NYSC. His work consistently bridges technology and policy, focusing on operational efficiency, data governance, and stakeholder engagement. With experience managing cross-functional teams and coordinating international stakeholders, Dr. Tsiga exemplifies leadership and innovation in public sector transformation.
🔬 Research Interest
Dr. Zakari Tsiga’s research interests lie at the intersection of project management, digital governance, IT risk control, and strategic operations. He is particularly passionate about integrating data visualization tools, such as Power BI and SAP, into project delivery systems to enhance monitoring and evaluation (M&E) for development programs. His work explores the implementation of business intelligence frameworks within governmental and multilateral agency operations. Moreover, he delves into risk simulation tools, decision-making algorithms, and critical success factors for infrastructure and petroleum projects. His research is deeply rooted in real-world application, contributing to Nigeria’s policy landscape, development finance strategies, and international project governance literature. Dr. Tsiga aims to continuously contribute to sustainable digital ecosystems, where strategic management meets technological advancement for socioeconomic development.
🏆 Awards
Dr. Zakari Tsiga has been widely recognized for his contributions to governance reform, innovation, and digital transformation. Notably, he received a Presidential Special Scholarship for Innovation and Development (PRESSID) in 2012 and was awarded a National Youth Service Corps Discharge Certificate for his contributions to the Nigerian energy sector. His leadership in project modernization earned him accolades for facilitating Nigeria’s Ease of Doing Business Reforms in 2020. In 2024, he received an industry collaboration certificate from UCL and Microsoft for his role in digital transformation. A frequent speaker at international conferences, including the ProjMan series in Europe, Dr. Tsiga is known for translating academic insights into practical solutions. His awards reflect not only technical proficiency but also leadership in promoting governance, institutional capacity building, and sustainable development.
📚 Publication Top Notes
Navigating Complexity: Challenges and Insights in Implementing the SAPZ Phase 1 Program in Nigeria
Decision Making in Engineering Projects
Risk Management Practice in the Nigerian Petroleum Industry
Implementation of a Risk Management Simulation Tool
Critical Success Factors for Projects in the Petroleum Industry