Simon Bako Lalong is a prominent Nigerian lawyer and politician who has held various positions of leadership throughout his career. From serving as the governor of Plateau State to his current role as the Minister of Labour and Employment, Lalong has made significant contributions to Nigerian politics and governance.
Simon Bako Lalong Personal Profile
- Full Name: Simon Bako Lalong CON
- Born: 5th May, 1963
- Spouse: Regina Lalong
- Place of birth: Ajikamai, Shendam Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria.
- Political party: All Progressives Congress
- Education: Ahmadu Bello University,Zaria, GSS, Shendam.
- Qualifications: Masters Degree in Law(LLM), Bachelor of Law(LLB)
- Occupation: Politician, Lawyer
- Religion: Christianity
Simon Bako Lalong Early Life And Education
Simon Bako Lalong was born on May 5, 1963, in Shendam, Northern Region, which is now part of Plateau State, Nigeria. He completed his elementary and secondary education in Shendam Local Government Area and went on to attend the School of Preliminary Studies (S.P.S) in Keffi. In 1990, Lalong graduated from Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria with a bachelor’s degree in Law. He then pursued further studies at the Law School in Lagos, where he was called to the Bar. Later, in 1996, Lalong obtained a master’s degree in Law from the University of Jos.
Simon Bako Lalong Professional Career
Lalong’s professional career as a lawyer spanned from 1992 to 1998. During this time, he worked with several law firms, including one that he co-owned. From 1992 to 1994, Lalong served as the Deputy Scribe of the Nigerian Bar Association in Plateau State. After a political hiatus, he returned to legal practice and became the Principal Partner of Simon B Lalong and Co, a law firm he headed until 2015.
Simon Bako Lalong Political Life
In 1998, Simon Lalong ventured into politics, temporarily leaving behind his legal career. He joined the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and successfully contested his native Shendam Constituency, earning a seat in the Plateau State House of Assembly. Lalong’s political career took off when he became the speaker of the assembly in October 2000 which he held until 2006. His seven-year tenure as speaker made him the longest-serving speaker in the history of Plateau State. During this time, he was elected Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of the 36 states of Nigeria twice, from 2001 to 2002.
Governorship And Re-election
As the second term of Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State approached its end in 2015, Simon Lalong decided to contest the gubernatorial election on the All Progressive Congress (APC) political platform. He emerged as the winner and was sworn in as the new governor of Plateau State on May 29, 2015. Lalong’s tenure as governor was marked by efforts to restore peace and stability in the state, which had experienced recurring conflicts. In the March 9, 2019 Plateau gubernatorial election and the subsequent supplementary election, Lalong won re-election as governor, securing another term in office.
Simon Bako Lalong As Minister Of Labour And Employment
In the 2023 general election, Simon Lalong ran for the seat of the Senate to represent Plateau South senatorial zone but was unsuccessful, losing to Napoleon Bali of the People’s Democratic Party. However, in August 2023, he was appointed as the Minister of Labour and Employment by President Bola Tinubu. In this role, Lalong is responsible for overseeing labor-related policies and employment matters in Nigeria.
Recognition And Awards
In October 2022, Simon Bako Lalong was honored with the Nigerian national honour of Commander Of The Order Of The Niger (CON) by President Muhammadu Buhari, in recognition of his contributions to the nation.
