ABUJA—In a bid to strengthen Nigeria’s food security and mitigate the impacts of climate change on agriculture, the Federal Government has expedited the integration of the Agricultural Insurance Scheme into the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket Program (NAGS-AP). This move aims to safeguard investments and enhance the sustainability of the country’s food systems.
Senator Abdullahi Sabi Aliyu, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, announced the initiative during a recent Agricultural Insurance Train-the-Trainer Workshop held in Orozo, Abuja. He emphasized that the inclusion of agricultural insurance within NAGS-AP is essential for protecting the significant investments made by both the government and the African Development Bank (AfDB), the program’s financial partner.
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Reflecting on the successful 2023 dry season wheat cultivation, Senator Aliyu highlighted the need for a strong climate risk mitigation strategy to address threats like floods, droughts, pests, and diseases that could severely impact crop yields. He cited the devastating 2023 ginger blight in Kaduna, which wiped out over 90% of crops, affecting uninsured farmers the most. Those with insurance, however, were compensated and able to resume farming with less financial burden.
The Minister also pointed to the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook, which warned that 397 out of Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs)—representing over 51% of the nation’s farming regions—are at high risk of flooding. He stressed the need for climate-smart agriculture to build a resilient food security system, which aligns with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
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To further the implementation of agricultural insurance, the Ministry has established a joint working committee, including representatives from the NAGS secretariat, the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC), and PULA Advisors. This committee will design a practical framework for the National Agricultural Insurance Scheme under the NAGS program.
During the workshop, Mr. Isiaku Buba, National Project Coordinator for NAGS-AP, emphasized the program’s growing focus on safeguarding the interests of farmers and stakeholders throughout the agricultural value chain. He stated that the insurance component, developed by NAIC and PULA Advisors, would provide comprehensive coverage to support Nigeria’s agricultural output.
Mrs. Folashade Joseph, Managing Director of NAIC, reaffirmed the corporation’s commitment to collaborating with agricultural stakeholders. She highlighted NAIC’s readiness to offer insurance and risk management expertise aimed at reducing risks and improving agricultural productivity.
The workshop was attended by key stakeholders, including representatives from the All Farmers Association, USAID, REX Insurance, and NAIDA, all of whom pledged their support for the success of the Agricultural Insurance component of the NAGS-AP program.
