Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, CFR (born 15 April 1952) is a Nigerian civil servant and politician who served as Defence Minister of Nigeria.

Ahmed was born in the town of Shira in southern Azare, Bauchi State, to Ahmadu, an Islamic scholar and farmer.

[1] In 1986, he joined the federal government's civil service, holding various positions in the Ministries of Internal Affairs and of Education.

On September 8, 2008, President Umaru Yar'Adua appointed him as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) replacing Babagana Kingibe.

[5] On August 31, 2024, Umaru Yar'Adua became chairman of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of Nigerian Federal Universities (CPCNFU).