The recent appointment of Yazeed Shehu Danfulani as Managing Director of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC) is generating renewed optimism among agricultural stakeholders, as calls intensify for a more responsive and farmer-centered insurance system in the country.
Reacting to the development, the National Aquaculture Professionals Alliance (NAPA), a coalition of fish farmers and aquaculture stakeholders, described the appointment as a “strategic move” capable of restoring confidence in Nigeria’s fragile agricultural insurance framework.
In a statement signed by its President, Engr. Ibrahim Ayotola Bamidele, the alliance applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it called a “visionary decision” that could lay the groundwork for real reforms in the insurance sub-sector of agriculture.
“For years, fish farmers and agribusinesses have operated without meaningful protection against the growing risks of climate change, flooding, disease outbreaks, and volatile production costs,” Bamidele said. “This appointment gives us reason to believe that the tide is about to turn.”
He noted that the lack of accessible and affordable insurance schemes has discouraged many young Nigerians from entering the agricultural space, adding that a revitalised NAIC could significantly boost farmer participation, reduce losses, and strengthen food security.
“Risk remains one of the biggest deterrents for agricultural investment. But with a proactive NAIC leadership, we can introduce tailored insurance packages that protect smallholder farmers and drive long-term sector growth,” Bamidele explained.
Danfulani’s background in finance, agriculture, and enterprise development, according to the group, makes him a suitable candidate to overhaul NAIC’s operations and align its offerings with the realities facing farmers today.
NAPA urged the new NAIC leadership to prioritise stakeholder engagement, especially at the grassroots, and collaborate with farmer groups, cooperatives, and local institutions to expand coverage and improve awareness.
“NAIC must go beyond office walls. Mr. Danfulani should meet farmers in the field, understand their realities, and design insurance products that truly work for them,” the statement added.
The group also appealed to the Federal Government to support Danfulani with the enabling policy, legal, and financial tools to carry out systemic reforms within NAIC.
“The agricultural sector holds enormous potential for employment, food security, and foreign exchange. But without proper risk management systems, especially insurance, we’re leaving too much to chance,” Bamidele noted.
NAPA pledged its readiness to partner with NAIC to deliver sensitisation campaigns, provide farmer data, and co-create solutions that will increase insurance adoption across the country.
“This appointment is an opportunity and we’re ready to work with NAIC to ensure it delivers results where it matters most,” the group concluded.
