The Managing Director of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC), Mrs. Folashade Joseph, has called for collaboration with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and innovative farming methods like hydroponics, vertical farming, and controlled environment agriculture.
Receiving a delegation from the United Arab Emirates on Monday in Abuja, Mrs Joseph said that the Corporation was fully committed to supporting initiatives that promote agricultural development, enhance food security, and strengthen the resilience of farmers, especially the smallholders in Nigeria.
“The Corporation is ready to engage in fruitful discussions to identify concrete opportunities for partnership with the UAE, believing that by joining forces and pooling our collective strengths, we can achieve greater impact and make significant strides towards advancing agricultural development and food security objectives in both our countries.
“The challenge of food security is indeed a significant one, but I am filled with hope and optimism that together, through our collective commitment, innovative thinking, and strategic collaboration, we can overcome and ensure that safe and nutritious food is readily available to our citizens,” she said.
She told the delegation that the Corporation has provided cover worth N1.014 trillion to the Nigerian agricultural sector in the last five years.
Mrs Joseph disclosed that about 1.25 million farmers were provided insurance coverage and that the insurance premium collected by the organisation within the period under review was about N8.56 billion.
She said that the Corporation settled claims of about N3.08 billion, while it reached over 516,000 farming communities with its sensitization programmes.
“The Corporation therefore remains committed to its mission of enhancing agricultural productivity, thereby achieving food security and contributing to the overall growth and development of Nigeria.
“It is imperative to emphasize that the Corporation is dedicated to continuously reducing the risks associated with agricultural investments in the country,” she said.
According to her, the programmes of the commission are aimed at achieving food security, economic growth and job creation, poverty eradication, inclusivity, security, access to capital across all sectors.
Responding, the leader of the UAE delegation and Chief Executive Officer of the Vice President’s Office for Political Affairs in the Kingdom of the UAE, Khalid Al Mannaei, said that they were in Nigeria to hold discussions and explore opportunities for partnership and collaboration with key players in strategic sectors of the country’s economy, including the agricultural sector.
He added that the meetings and consultations would culminate in a series of bilateral agreements aimed at fostering mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.
GIK/APA
Nigerian Corporation seeks collaboration with UAE in Agric technologies
