President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given his approval for the appointment of Yazeed Shehu DanFulani as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC), signaling a potential turning point for agricultural risk management in the country.
NAIC, an insurance institution fully owned by the federal government, plays a crucial role in safeguarding the investments of Nigerian farmers. It provides specialized insurance coverage designed to protect the agricultural sector from climate-related and other production risks. The corporation offers a wide variety of products, including policies covering crops, livestock, and agricultural assets. In addition, it operates a subsidized insurance scheme for specific crop and livestock plans, thereby reducing farmers’ exposure to sudden disasters and lessening their dependency on emergency government bailouts.
DanFulani’s appointment is expected to bring a wave of reform to the institution, especially as Nigeria pushes to modernize its agricultural landscape and ensure food security amid growing climate challenges. Prior to this elevation, DanFulani served as Zamfara State’s Commissioner for Commerce and Industry and was most recently a Special Duties Aide to the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle. His experience in both public administration and the policy environment is anticipated to add strategic value to NAIC’s operations.
Reacting to the development, the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) lauded President Tinubu’s decision, describing it as a bold and forward-thinking move aimed at revitalizing the agricultural sector and promoting youth participation in national development.
In a statement issued by the AYCF President-General, Yerima Shettima, the group praised the selection of DanFulani, citing his dynamic leadership style and commitment to development. The Forum expressed confidence that the new appointee possesses the competence and vision necessary to steer the NAIC towards greater effectiveness and accountability.
“This is more than just an appointment; it represents a strategic direction for youth inclusion in governance and agricultural innovation,” Shettima noted. “Yazeed DanFulani has shown through his previous roles that he understands the intricacies of economic growth through agriculture. His energy and proven leadership will be a great asset to Nigeria’s push for a resilient agricultural economy.”
The AYCF went further to stress that the agricultural sector is a vital pillar of the Nigerian economy, particularly in northern states, where farming remains the primary source of livelihood for millions. According to the group, having a leader at NAIC who is both youthful and knowledgeable in agricultural policy is a step toward unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s food production capacity.
The Forum also pledged its support for DanFulani as he assumes office, encouraging all stakeholders in the sector to work collaboratively to ensure his success. They highlighted their belief that his leadership will not only improve insurance services for farmers but also enhance government credibility in protecting rural investments.
In another key development related to public sector appointments, President Tinubu also approved the constitution of the executive and non-executive board members for the newly established Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), a body designed to strengthen Nigeria’s electricity grid operations.
Adesegun Olugbade was named as the chairman of the board, while Engineer Abdu Mohammed Bello will serve as the Managing Director. Other appointments include Engineer Nafisatu Asabe Ali as Executive Director for Systems Operation, Engineer Shehu Abba-Aliyu for Systems Planning, Edmund Eje for Market Operations, and Babajide Ibironke for Finance and Corporate Services.
These appointments are part of broader efforts by the Tinubu administration to inject fresh talent and expertise into critical government institutions. Observers say the dual announcements reflect a balanced approach to both agricultural advancement and infrastructural modernization.
With these strategic leadership changes, expectations are high for improved governance, enhanced public service delivery, and sustainable development across key sectors of the Nigerian economy. As DanFulani and others step into their new roles, all eyes will be on how effectively they can translate policy into tangible impact for Nigerians.
