Tinubu unveils powerful new Boards to drive Nigeria’s Economic Renewal

President Bola Tinubu has approved the constitution of governing boards for three key institutions-the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

This is part of ongoing reforms to reposition Nigeria’s agriculture, education and development finance sectors.

This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga on Friday.

In the UBEC board, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, earlier appointed in July, retains his position as chairman.

New board members representing the six geopolitical zones include Uchendu Ikechi Mbaegbulem (South East), Gift Ngo (South South), Mrs Ibiwunmi Akinnola (South West), Dr Meiro Mandara (North East), Dr Abdu Imam Saulawa (North West) and Professor Paul Ibukun-Olu Bolorunduro (North Central). The chairman and members will serve an initial four-year term.

At the Bank of Agriculture, the President formally confirmed Muhammad Babangida as board chairman and Ayo Sotinrin as managing director.

He also approved the appointment of three executive directors: Fatima Garba (Corporate Services),  Ka’amuna Ibrahim Khadi (Risk Management and Strategy), and Hakeem Oluwatosin Salami (Operations).

Five non-executive directors, representing all six geopolitical zones, were also named: Aminu Malami Mohammed (North East), Charles Amuchienwa (South East), Oladejo Odunuga (South West), Rabiu Idris Funtua (North West) and Kochi Donald Iorgyer (North Central).

For the National Agricultural Development Fund, established to expand farmers’ access to affordable capital, President Tinubu constituted its first full governing board following his earlier appointment of Muhammad Abu Ibrahim as executive secretary and CEO in October 2023.

Veteran finance executive and former FBNQuest Merchant Bank chairman, Mallam Bello Maccido, will chair the NADF board. Other members include: Dr Nelson Henry Essien (South South), Amina Ahmed Habib (North West), Akinyinka Olufela Akinnola (South West), Hassan Tanimu Musa Usman (North East), Lufer Samson Orkar (North Central), and Felix Achibiri (South East).