Mohammed Babangida, son of Nigeria’s former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, has formally declined his appointment as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture (BoA). The appointment was recently announced by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of efforts to revitalize the country’s agricultural sector.
In a letter dated July 21, 2025, addressed to President Tinubu, Babangida expressed deep appreciation for the nomination, calling it “a true privilege to be thought worthy of such a strategic role in advancing the nation’s agricultural and economic development.”
However, he stated that after careful reflection and consultation, he had chosen to decline the appointment due to a combination of personal and professional reasons.
“This decision was not made lightly,” he wrote. “It stems from a convergence of personal and professional considerations which, at this time, would not allow me to serve with the level of focus and commitment the position rightly demands.”
Despite stepping down, Babangida reiterated his unwavering support for the Tinubu administration’s development agenda:
“I remain fully committed to the vision of a prosperous and self-sufficient Nigeria under your leadership… and stand ready to support national development in other ways where my expertise may be of service.”
The development comes amid a growing focus on agriculture as a key pillar of Nigeria’s economic diversification strategy. The Bank of Agriculture is considered a cornerstone institution in supporting agribusiness, rural development, and financial inclusion for farmers across the country.
Babangida’s decision may prompt the federal government to look toward alternative candidates with both political goodwill and sector-specific experience to lead the Bank’s transformation.