States Push for Stronger Agricultural Insurance as Leadway Pays N396m to Farmers

Commissioners for Agriculture from Borno, Plateau, Taraba, and Kaduna states have called for expanded agricultural insurance to help farmers cope with losses caused by climate change.

Their appeal comes as Leadway Assurance, in partnership with the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU) and PULA Advisors, disbursed N396,697,672 in insurance claims to smallholder farmers. The payments were made during the 2025 Wet Season Insurance Pay-out Ceremony held in Abuja under the National Agribusiness Planning Mechanism (NAPM).

The beneficiaries, drawn from the four states, received support aimed at cushioning the impact of climate-related losses, stabilising food production, and helping farmers recover and return to their farms.

The event also reviewed outcomes from the last wet season, presented verified yield data, and recognised beneficiary farmers, while creating room for stakeholders to strategise ahead of the 2025/2026 dry season.

Kaduna State Commissioner for Agriculture, Murtala Mohammed Dabo, noted that food importation remains a major challenge affecting local farmers, discouraging many from continuing farming after suffering losses. He, however, praised Leadway and its partners for supporting farmers impacted by climate change.

Leadway Assurance CEO, Gboyega Lesi, said the payout demonstrates the company’s commitment to supporting farmers when it matters most. He described agricultural insurance as essential for strengthening Nigeria’s food systems and reducing the risks posed by climate change.

According to him, collaboration between public and private sector players is key to achieving meaningful agricultural transformation.

Also speaking, Leadway’s Global Head of Agricultural Risk Solutions, Fatona Ayoola, emphasised the importance of helping farmers recover, reinvest, and sustain their operations. He said this approach builds confidence and ensures continued food production.

PULA Advisors’ Country Manager, Dr. Michael Enahoro, added that the partnership shows large-scale agricultural insurance is achievable in Nigeria and critical to ensuring food security. He commended participating state governments for supporting their farmers and acknowledged Bayer Foundation’s role in backing the initiative.

In 2024, Leadway and its partners paid N110 million in claims to over 1,100 farmers affected by ginger blight disease, further highlighting their role in strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural resilience.