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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has formally constituted the boards of three strategic government agencies: the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).
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Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement highlighted that these appointments demonstrate the administration’s focus on regional inclusivity and technical expertise to fast-track development across vital sectors.
He added that the move is part of the administration’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sector and basic education system through effective governance and expert leadership.
President Tinubu confirmed the appointments, emphasising the essential role these boards will play in advancing access to affordable capital for farmers, enhancing agricultural financing, and supporting educational development nationwide.
Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, who was appointed chair of the UBEC Board in July, will continue to lead the commission. The board also welcomes regional representatives Uchendu Ikechi Mbaegbulem for the South East, Gift Ngo for the South South, Ibiwunmi Akinnola for the South West, Meiro Mandara for the North East, Abdu Saulawa for the North West, and Paul Bolorunduro for the North Central. Their tenure is set for an initial term of four years.
President Tinubu said, “These appointments reflect our commitment to empowering sectors that are vital to national growth. The UBEC board members come with diverse expertise and regional representation, enabling them to address the educational challenges across Nigeria efficiently.”
At the Bank of Agriculture, President Tinubu reaffirmed earlier appointments of Muhammad Babangida as chairman and Ayo Sotinrin as managing director. He also named three executive directors and five non-executive directors from the country’s six geopolitical zones, ensuring balanced regional representation.
The executive directors appointed include Fatima Garba, responsible for Corporate Services from Sokoto; Ka’amuna Ibrahim Khadi from Borno, overseeing Risk Management and Strategy; and Hakeem Oluwatosin Salami from Kwara, in charge of Operations.
The non-executive directors appointed to the bank’s board include Aminu Malami Mohammed representing the North East, Charles Amuchienwa for the South East, Oladejo Odunuga for the South West, Rabiu Idris Funtua for the North West, and Kochi Donald Iorgyer for the North Central.
President Tinubu remarked, “The bank’s leadership is uniquely qualified to champion agricultural finance reform, and their regional diversity mirrors our inclusive vision for the Nigerian economy.”
In October 2023, President Tinubu appointed Muhammad Ibrahim as executive secretary and CEO of the NADF, a fund conceived to increase farmers’ access to affordable capital. Now, the board entrusted with this mission is officially established.
The pioneer chairman of FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited with over 30 years of financial services experience, Bello Maccido, chairs the NADF board and represents the North West.
Other members include Nelson Essien from Akwa Ibom representing the South South, a financial consultant and seasoned banker; Amina Habib from Jigawa who represents the North West and is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants; Akinyinka Akinnola from Ondo State, an engineer with diversified business interests representing the South West; Hassan Usman from Borno representing the North East, founder of New Frontier Developments Ltd and former non-executive director of Access Bank; Lufer Orkar from Benue representing the North Central; and Felix Achibiri from Imo, representing the South East, who is the Group Director of Genesis Energy Holdings and chairman and CEO of DFC Holdings Limited.
President Tinubu stressed, “The NADF board is strategically composed of experts from diverse backgrounds, ensuring strong stewardship of funds dedicated to boosting agricultural productivity and empowering agripreneurs.”
