Tinubu appoints IBB’s son, Muhammad Babangida, as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), in a new round of federal appointments that analysts say could reshape the leadership across Nigeria’s parastatals.
The appointment, confirmed on Friday by Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, sees Babangida, son of former Head of State Ibrahim Babangida, take charge of one of Nigeria’s most strategic institutions in the agricultural and rural development space.
Babangida, 53, holds a degree in Business Administration and a Master’s in Public Relations and Business Communication from the European University in Montreux, Switzerland. He is also an alumnus of Harvard Business School’s Executive Program on Corporate Governance.
A Broader Strategy Behind Tinubu’s Appointments
While much of the public attention has focused on the fact that Tinubu appointed IBB’s son, the President also named seven others to key positions across federal agencies, in what observers view as a calculated strategy to drive regional inclusion and institutional reform.
The timing is critical. As Tinubu’s administration continues to weather political and economic pressure, from subsidy backlash to inflation, these appointments appear to be both strategic and symbolic.
According to the Presidency, the reshuffle is aimed at strengthening institutional performance and public service delivery.
Full List of New Appointments
Below is a summary of the newly appointed federal leaders:
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Lydia Kalat Musa (Kaduna) – Chairman, Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA)
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Jamilu Wada Aliyu (Kano) – Chairman, National Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC)
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Hon. Yahuza Ado Inuwa (Kano) – Chairman, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON)
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Sanusi Musa, SAN (Kano) – Chairman, Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR)
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Prof. Al-Mustapha Alhaji Aliyu (Sokoto) – Director-General, Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa (DTCA)
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Sanusi Garba Rikiji (Zamfara) – Director-General, Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiations (NOTN)
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Mrs. Tomi Somefun (Oyo) – Managing Director, National Hydro-Electric Power Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC)
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Dr. Abdulmumini Mohammed Aminu-Zaria (Kaduna) – Executive Director, Nigerian Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC)
Why the Bank of Agriculture Matters
With Tinubu appointing IBB’s son to lead the BOA, attention turns to the institution’s critical role in driving food security and rural development.
The Bank of Agriculture, long considered underperforming, has recently undergone restructuring efforts to align with the administration’s agenda for food self-sufficiency and rural enterprise growth.
Insiders suggest that Babangida’s experience in corporate governance and his ties to political legacy may be part of why he was tapped for this important position at a pivotal time.
Political Implications Ahead of 2027
Some political observers believe that the string of appointments, particularly those from the northern region, signals a deeper political strategy as the 2027 general elections approach.
Tinubu’s recent appearances at high-profile Northern events, including the state funeral of former President Muhammadu Buhari and condolence visits to Kano, have sparked debate about his re-election ambitions and regional alignment.
While critics argue that the President has favored southern technocrats in earlier appointments, this round appears more regionally balanced. It also helps Tinubu consolidate influence among Northern power blocs.
What Comes Next
Though these appointments have taken immediate effect, analysts will be watching closely to see how these new leaders navigate their mandates in sectors like agriculture, education, energy, trade, and peacebuilding.
The Presidency has said it expects “professional excellence, patriotism, and integrity” from all appointees, a tall order given Nigeria’s complex governance landscape.
Still, by appointing a figure like Muhammad Babangida to the Bank of Agriculture, President Tinubu is signaling both a willingness to tap into elite networks and a desire to re-energize institutions that have long struggled with relevance and reform.
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