By Awwal Umar Kontagora Over 300 farmers and herders from all 25 local government areas of Niger State have received training on agricultura...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
Over 300 farmers and herders from all 25 local government areas of Niger State have received training on agricultural insurance registration, as part of a campaign by the Fulani Youth Development Initiative in collaboration with the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC). The sensitisation workshop, held at the Federal Secretariat in Minna, aims to promote peace, increase awareness, and enable participants to benefit from government-led agricultural support programs.
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Affairs and Strategy, Hon. Nma Kolo, represented by former Chanchaga Local Government Chairman, Hon. Ahmed Dogara, commended the initiative, stating it aligns with the vision of Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago’s administration to transform agriculture and livestock production in the state.
“The Bago administration is committed to building a modern agricultural and livestock system capable of generating revenue, creating jobs, and placing Niger State among the leading producers of meat and food in Nigeria and Africa,” Dogara said. He emphasised the importance of peace between farmers and herders, stressing that mutual understanding is essential to ensuring prosperity in the sector.
Chairman of the Fulani Youth Say Bago Again Initiative, Amb. Dr. Mujahid Adam, said the campaign was borne out of the need to protect smallholder farmers and herders from unforeseen losses. “Many of our people suffer losses due to conflict, floods, or disease without compensation. Through this campaign, we are showing them how insurance can be a safety net in such times,” he explained.
He added that any registered farmer or herder whose property is damaged can file for compensation under the NAIC scheme. “We are bringing this awareness closer to the grassroots so that no farmer or herder is left behind,” he added.
In his remarks, Dr. Idris Abdullahi Lemu, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, who represented SSG Hon. Abubakar Usman Gawu, expressed the government’s appreciation to NAIC for supporting its drive to uplift the livelihoods of rural dwellers.
He urged participants to take full advantage of the insurance scheme, stating, “The goal is simple: register today and be protected tomorrow. When disaster strikes, the losses won’t cripple you because insurance will step in.”
Mr. Ayuba Maijama’a, North Central Zonal Coordinator of NAIC, explained that the scheme is federally funded and provides subsidised insurance for farmers and herders across Nigeria. Established in 1987, NAIC is the only federal government-owned insurance corporation dedicated to agriculture.
“Before the establishment of NAIC, farmers were abandoned to their fate during natural disasters. Many quit farming due to repeated losses from floods, droughts, and disease,” Maijama’a said. “This led to a decline in food production and growing urban migration. NAIC was created to stop that.”
He noted that NAIC underwrites a wide range of agricultural and general business insurance, including policies for fire, burglary, workmen’s compensation, marine cargo, and goods in transit—all of which are crucial across the agricultural value chain.
Maijama’a emphasised that NAIC’s insurance policies are subsidised: “Farmers only pay 50% of the premium, while the federal and state governments cover the remaining 50%—37.5% and 12.5% respectively.”
He also assured participants that NAIC's claims process is efficient and transparent. “Once proper documentation is submitted, claims are verified and adjusted within 30 days. Payments are made within 24 hours of signing the discharge voucher,” he explained.
NAIC also offers advisory and extension services, bringing in experts such as veterinarians, crop scientists, and agronomists to educate and support both insured and uninsured farmers during field visits.
“This is the only agricultural subsidy in Nigeria that reaches the intended beneficiaries directly,” Maijama’a said. “It cannot be diverted, and it continues to deliver immense benefits to farmers and herders alike.”
The event was lauded by participants as timely and impactful, especially as climate-related disasters, market shocks, and conflict continue to affect agricultural productivity in the region.
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