Simon Bako Lalong Biography: Age, Education, Career and Politics
Simon Bako Lalong is a Nigerian lawyer and politician who represents Plateau South Senatorial District in the National Assembly. He previously served as Governor of Plateau State from 2015 to 2023 and later became Minister of Labour and Employment.
Lalong has held several senior political positions, including Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly and Chairman of the Northern Governors' Forum. In 2026, his involvement in the Arewa for Asiwaju political mobilisation has added a new dimension to his public activities.
Early Life and Education
Simon Bako Lalong was born on May 5, 1963, in Shendam, Plateau State. He attended Roman Catholic Mission Primary School in Shendam and Government Secondary School, Shendam.
He studied Law at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and graduated with an LL.B. degree in 1990. He later obtained an LL.M. from the University of Jos and completed his professional legal training at the Nigerian Law School.
Lalong was called to the Nigerian Bar and began practising law before entering full-time politics.
Simon Lalong's Legal Career
Lalong started his legal career in Jos in the early 1990s. He worked with law firms including T-Obot & Co. Legal Practitioners and Victor Fomwul & Co.
He later established his own law firm, Simon B. Lalong & Co. His legal career gave him experience in litigation, consultancy and public affairs before he moved deeper into politics.
Political Career in Plateau State
Lalong entered the Plateau State House of Assembly in 1999 as the representative of Shendam Constituency. He became Speaker in 2000 and remained in the position until 2006.
During his time as Speaker, he also served as Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria. His legislative experience prepared him for his later move into executive government.
In 2015, Lalong won the Plateau State governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress. He secured a second term in 2019 and left office in May 2023 after eight years as governor.
Simon Lalong as Governor
As governor, Lalong placed emphasis on security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture and economic development. His administration also promoted investment in Plateau's tourism, mining and agricultural sectors.
He chaired the Northern Governors' Forum, which brings together governors from the northern states to discuss issues affecting the region. Security, peacebuilding and development featured prominently in the forum's activities during his tenure.
Minister of Labour and Employment
After leaving the Plateau governorship in 2023, Lalong joined the federal cabinet of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Minister of Labour and Employment.
His ministerial tenure was brief. He later left the executive branch after winning the Plateau South Senate seat and returned to the National Assembly.
Simon Lalong as Senator
Lalong won the Plateau South Senatorial District election in 2023 and became a member of the 10th National Assembly. His Senate work has added another stage to a political career that has included legislative, executive and federal responsibilities.
As of 2026, he serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters and INEC. His legislative interests include security, employment, infrastructure, education and development.
He has also pursued constituency projects in Plateau South, including interventions involving healthcare, education, roads, bridges and public infrastructure.
Arewa for Asiwaju
In September 2026, Lalong emerged as one of the northern political figures involved in Arewa for Asiwaju, a political mobilisation platform supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's 2027 re-election campaign.
Lalong serves as one of the deputy chairmen of the group's Board of Trustees. The platform is being organised across the northern states and the Federal Capital Territory as part of its mobilisation activities.
His participation reflects his continued involvement in Northern political affairs after his years as Chairman of the Northern Governors' Forum.
Simon Lalong's Age
Simon Bako Lalong was born on May 5, 1963. He is 63 years old in 2026.
Personal Life
Lalong is married to Regina Lalong, and they have three children. He generally keeps his family life away from the centre of his political activities.
Northern Nigeria Connection
Lalong has deep political and professional roots in Northern Nigeria. His career in Plateau politics, leadership of the Northern Governors' Forum and participation in northern political mobilisation have all connected him to wider regional affairs.
His current role as a senator also keeps him involved in national issues affecting Plateau South and the North-Central region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Simon Bako Lalong?
Simon Bako Lalong is a Nigerian lawyer and politician who represents Plateau South in the Senate. He is also a former Governor of Plateau State and former Minister of Labour and Employment.
How old is Simon Lalong?
He was born on May 5, 1963, and is 63 years old in 2026.
Where is Simon Lalong from?
He is from Shendam, Plateau State, Nigeria.
What did Simon Lalong study?
He studied Law at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and later obtained an LL.M. from the University of Jos.
When was Simon Lalong governor of Plateau State?
He served as Governor of Plateau State from 2015 to 2023.
What ministry did Simon Lalong head?
He served as Minister of Labour and Employment in the federal government in 2023.
Which senatorial district does Simon Lalong represent?
He represents Plateau South Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly.
Conclusion
Simon Bako Lalong has built a political career across the Plateau State House of Assembly, governorship, federal cabinet and Senate. His background as a lawyer and legislator has shaped his approach to public service over several decades.
His return to the Senate and involvement in Arewa for Asiwaju have kept him active in both national and Northern Nigerian politics as the country approaches the 2027 election cycle.
