By David Akinmola
An underwriting firm, Leadway Assurance, is expanding its footprint in Nigeria’s agricultural sector with a strategic drive to strengthen climate-smart farming and food security through innovative insurance solutions and public-private partnerships.
The insurer announced that its collaboration with the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU), state governments, and PULA Foundation now provides agricultural insurance and advisory support to more than 249,000 smallholder farmers across eight states, including Borno, Enugu, Taraba, Ekiti, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Plateau, and Jigawa.
Under the scheme, participating state governments subsidise 50 per cent of farmers’ premiums, while PULA Foundation, with donor support, covers the balance.
This model enables vulnerable farmers to access affordable protection against drought, flooding, pest outbreaks, and other climate-related risks threatening Nigeria’s food supply chain.
The initiative will be complemented by the Harvesting Hope Caravan, a grassroots roadshow targeting four geopolitical zones to build awareness, provide education, and showcase tools to help farmers manage risks and raise productivity.
Speaking on the development, the Global Head of Agricultural Risk Solutions at Leadway, Ayoola Fatona, said the partnership aims to create an inclusive, climate-resilient agricultural landscape rather than merely selling insurance. “Together with PFSCU, PULA, and state governments, we are helping farmers secure their livelihoods, encouraging innovation, and safeguarding Nigeria’s food systems for the future,” Fatona said.
Also, Managing Director, Leadway, Gboyega Lesi, added that collaboration demonstrates the power of public-private alliances in protecting livelihoods and driving food security. “Our role goes beyond risk transfer. We are equipping farmers with advisory support, knowledge, and access to solutions that make them more resilient,” he noted.
By embedding insurance and advisory services into grassroots engagement, the insurer and its partners are positioning Nigeria’s sustainable transformation. The company says the initiative underscores the pivotal role of risk management in supporting farmers, empowering rural communities, and fuelling inclusive economic growth.
