President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Muhammad Babangida, the son of former military leader General Ibrahim Babangida, as the new Chairman of the restructured Bank of Agriculture. This appointment, officially announced on Friday, July 18, 2025, forms part of a broader reshuffle that brought in eight additional individuals to head various strategic federal institutions. Through this action, the president aims to reposition critical agencies for greater efficiency, accountability, and impact.

By approving these nine high-level appointments, President Tinubu has taken a firm step toward strengthening governance in major sectors such as agriculture, education, energy, and trade. These leadership changes are not only timely but also necessary, given Nigeria’s pressing need for institutional reform and sustainable development. According to the State House, the newly appointed individuals will play a pivotal role in accelerating the administration’s reform agenda across key public agencies.

This new team, drawn from various states across the country, represents a deliberate effort by the Tinubu administration to promote competence, inclusivity, and national integration in government operations.

Babangida Brings Global Perspective to Agricultural Leadership

With Muhammad Babangida taking the helm at the Bank of Agriculture, the institution is poised for a transformative overhaul. At 53, Babangida offers a rich blend of academic credentials and executive experience. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s in Public Relations and Business Communication from the European University in Montreux, Switzerland. In addition, he completed an Executive Program in Corporate Governance at Harvard Business School in 2002.

Given his exposure to international best practices and corporate governance principles, Babangida’s appointment signals the administration’s intention to modernize agricultural finance. The Bank of Agriculture, which has long faced inefficiencies and limited reach, is now expected to become a central driver in the country’s food security and rural development strategy. Under Babangida’s leadership, the bank will likely prioritize access to affordable credit for farmers, promote mechanized agriculture, and support value chain development in line with national goals.

Full List of New Appointees and Their Roles

Besides Muhammad Babangida, President Tinubu named the following individuals to lead other strategic agencies:

• Lydia Kalat Musa (Kaduna State) – Chairman, Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA)

• Jamilu Wada Aliyu (Kano State) – Chairman, National Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC)

• Hon. Yahuza Ado Inuwa (Kano State) – Chairman, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON)

• Sanusi Musa, SAN (Kano State) – Chairman, Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR)

• Prof. Al-Mustapha Alhaji Aliyu (Sokoto State) – Director-General, Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa (DTCA)

• Sanusi Garba Rikiji (Zamfara State) – Director-General, Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiations (NOTN)

• Mrs. Tomi Somefun (Oyo State) – Managing Director, National Hydro-Electric Power Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC)

• Dr. Abdulmumini Mohammed Aminu-Zaria (Kaduna State) – Executive Director, Nigerian Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC)

Each of these appointees is expected to bring strong technical expertise and leadership experience to their respective roles. Collectively, they will help realign public institutions with the Tinubu administration’s vision of a modern, people-centered, and performance-driven government.

Strategic Appointments for National Development

These appointments reflect more than a routine reshuffle—they represent a deliberate and strategic move to inject renewed momentum into the federal bureaucracy. By selecting individuals with both local knowledge and global exposure, the Tinubu administration seeks to bridge long-standing gaps in policy execution and institutional performance. Furthermore, the appointments reflect a regional balance, with nominees drawn from the northern and southern parts of the country, thereby fostering a sense of national inclusion.

Notably, the selection of individuals like Mrs. Tomi Somefun, a seasoned banking executive, and Prof. Al-Mustapha Aliyu, a renowned academic, reinforces the president’s emphasis on competence over political patronage. Their appointments are expected to improve institutional governance and enhance Nigeria’s engagement with global development partners.

Focus on Economic Revitalization and Public Trust

The new leadership at these agencies is expected to focus on economic revitalization, job creation, and improved service delivery. For instance, the Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiations will play a key role in strengthening the country’s international trade agreements, while the Standards Organisation of Nigeria must enhance product quality to boost competitiveness in global markets.

Likewise, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, under Sanusi Musa, SAN, will be instrumental in addressing security challenges through dialogue, mediation, and conflict prevention. Meanwhile, the Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa will deepen Nigeria’s economic and diplomatic ties with other African nations—an essential step for improving regional trade and integration.

As Nigeria grapples with economic instability, youth unemployment, and underperforming public institutions, this latest move by President Tinubu underscores his administration’s commitment to rebuilding public trust. These new leaders are expected to act with urgency, demonstrate accountability, and deliver results.

Babangida’s Appointment Signals Seriousness on Agriculture

Among the appointments, the most strategically significant is that of Muhammad Babangida. The Bank of Agriculture plays a vital role in Nigeria’s quest to achieve food security and reduce dependency on food imports. With Nigeria currently facing high inflation, food shortages, and rural poverty, a functioning agricultural finance system could unlock long-term solutions.

By placing Babangida—an internationally educated and business-savvy individual—at the top of the bank’s leadership, President Tinubu has shown that he is serious about agricultural reform. Babangida is expected to collaborate with the Ministry of Agriculture, development partners, and state governments to revamp Nigeria’s agricultural lending practices, expand rural financial inclusion, and strengthen agro-allied industries.

Conclusion: A Defining Step Toward Reform and Progress

In conclusion, President Tinubu’s appointments mark a crucial moment in Nigeria’s quest for institutional revitalization. The decision to bring in proven professionals and visionary leaders like Muhammad Babangida reflects a serious commitment to governance reform, economic recovery, and improved service delivery. As these new appointees settle into their roles, Nigerians will be watching closely for signs of progress, innovation, and accountability.

With competent leadership now in place across several federal agencies, the stage is set for transformational change. The Tinubu administration must now provide the necessary support, resources, and oversight to ensure these appointees succeed in driving Nigeria’s development agenda forward.