Tinubu constitutes new boards for NADF, BoA, UBEC to boost agriculture

Abdullateef Fowewe

President Bola Tinubu has announced the constitution of new 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 move according to a statement on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, aims to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sector and basic education system through strategic leadership and oversight.

Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, who was appointed chair of the UBEC Board in July, continues to lead the commission.

The board now includes representatives from all six geopolitical zones: Uchendu Ikechi Mbaegbulem for the South East, Gift Ngo for the South South, Ibiwunmi Akinnola for the South West, Dr Meiro Mandara for the North East, Dr Abdu Imam Saulawa for the North West, and Professor Paul Ibukun-Olu Bolorunduro for the North Central.

These board members will serve a four-year term initially.

Regarding the Bank of Agriculture, President Tinubu confirmed the previously announced appointments of Muhammad Babangida as chairman and Ayo Sotinrin as managing director.

The bank also welcomed three new executive directors: Fatima Garba (Corporate Services), Ka’amuna Ibrahim Khadi (Risk Management and Strategy), and Hakeem Oluwatosin Salami (Operations). Additionally, five non-executive directors representing Nigeria’s geopolitical zones were appointed, including Aminu Malami Mohammed (North East) and Rabiu Idris Funtua (North West).

For the National Agricultural Development Fund, formed to improve farmers’ access to affordable capital, President Tinubu appointed Muhammad Abu Ibrahim as executive secretary and CEO in October 2023, and now has constituted a board chaired by Mallam Bello Maccido, a seasoned financial services expert with over 30 years’ experience.

Other board members include Dr Nelson Henry Essien representing the South South, Amina Ahmed Habib from the North West, engineer and businessman Akinyinka Olufela Akinnola from the South West, and several others representing the remaining zones.

The appointments reflect President Tinubu’s commitment to fostering sustainable development in agriculture and education across Nigeria’s diverse regions.

The unified leadership is set to enhance governance, accountability, and investment in sectors critical to national growth.