President Tinubu Appoints Ayo Sotinrin as Managing Director of Bank of Agriculture to Spearhead Nigeria’s Agribusiness Renaissance

 President Tinubu Appoints Ayo Sotinrin as Managing Director of Bank of Agriculture to Spearhead Nigeria’s Agribusiness Renaissance

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially appointed Ayo Sotinrin as the new Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) — a strategic leadership move signaling a renewed national push toward food security, agritech innovation, and rural prosperity. The announcement, effective immediately, is already making ripples across Nigeria’s agricultural and financial sectors.



With agriculture contributing over 25% to Nigeria’s GDP (source: National Bureau of Statistics) and employing nearly 70% of the rural population, this leadership transition arrives at a pivotal moment as the federal government doubles down on sustainable food systems, value-chain modernization, and access to capital for smallholder farmers.

Ayo Sotinrin is no stranger to big transformations. Before his appointment, he founded and led SAO Capital, an Africa-focused investment and advisory firm that has channeled over $750 million into critical infrastructure and agribusiness projects. His portfolio includes the $200 million Akure Water Supply Project, which revolutionized access to clean water in southwest Nigeria, and the landmark development of a 20,000-hectare oil palm plantation in Ondo State — a venture that integrated poultry, aquaculture, maize, and cassava production, creating thousands of jobs and reshaping regional food production.

Sotinrin brings deep industry roots, both as an environmental economist and an infrastructure strategist, having worked with global institutions such as the World Bank, African Development Bank (AfDB), DFID, and USAID.

Academic and Global Credentials: A Rare Blend of Insight and Innovation

Backed by sterling academic qualifications, Sotinrin holds:

  • An Executive MBA from the University of Oxford, Saïd Business School

  • A Master’s in Engineering Business Management from Warwick University

  • An Advanced Diploma in Environmental Conservation

His global exposure includes high-impact roles at Deutsche Bank, the UK Environment Agency, and the Royal Bank of Scotland International, giving him a unique vantage point on sustainable economic development, public-private partnerships, and climate-smart agriculture.

Why This Appointment Matters for Nigeria’s Agricultural Revolution

As Nigeria grapples with rising food inflation, supply chain disruptions, and under-financing in rural economies, the Bank of Agriculture is set to become a fulcrum for agritech empowerment, agri-SME financing, and smallholder inclusion. With Sotinrin at the helm, experts project a pivot toward data-driven lending, green investment portfolios, and fintech-enabled farmer outreach — aligning with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

This appointment is not just symbolic — it’s strategic. Nigeria’s agricultural loan-to-GDP ratio remains under 5%, compared to over 15% in Kenya and 25% in South Africa. Sotinrin’s proven ability to mobilize funding and scale rural infrastructure puts him in a unique position to close this financing gap and drive nationwide impact.

A Paradigm Shift in Agricultural Financing

Sotinrin is expected to retool the BOA into a 21st-century agribusiness bank, integrating smart technologies and creating new pathways for agripreneurs, youth in agritech, and women in agriculture. His leadership also opens doors for climate resilience programs, regenerative farming initiatives, and carbon credit schemes aligned with global sustainability goals.

The BOA’s transformation under Sotinrin is fully backed by the Federal Government and tied to key national policies, including the Agricultural Promotion Policy (APP) and Nigeria’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP). With a track record of delivery, global expertise, and homegrown solutions, stakeholders believe Sotinrin’s appointment sets the tone for Nigeria’s most ambitious agricultural era yet.

President Tinubu’s decision to appoint Ayo Sotinrin is more than a leadership shuffle — it is a clarion call to reboot Nigeria’s agricultural economy through innovation, capital mobilization, and inclusive growth. With trusted experience, a global lens, and a passion for sustainable development, Sotinrin steps into this role not just as a banker, but as a change architect for millions of Nigerian farmers and agri-entrepreneurs.

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