Business
Youths to Explore Non-Oil Export Opportunities with NEXIM Bank MD at APC Youth Breakfast Session
By Joel Ajayi
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), Mr. Abubakar Abba Bello, is set to engage young Nigerian entrepreneurs and business owners on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 9 a.m., in a high-level breakfast session focused on non-oil export opportunities and wealth creation.
The event, organized by the Youth Wing of the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the leadership of the National Youth Leader, Hon. Dayo Israel, is part of a broader initiative to drive foreign exchange inflows and empower the next generation of business leaders. The session will be streamed live online and is open to participants nationwide, with registration required via bit.ly/abbabellonexim.
Hon. Dayo Israel emphasized the importance of boosting non-oil exports to stimulate job creation and economic diversification in Nigeria.
“If we are to create more local jobs and attract foreign exchange, we must scale up non-oil exports. Our young entrepreneurs need access to funding, technical support, and market information. That’s why we are excited to host the MD of NEXIM Bank—to connect them directly with Nigeria’s top export facilitator,” he said.
Mr. Bello’s engagement will cover key areas such as: Access to finance for SMEs and agribusinesses, Export readiness and leveraging opportunities in AfCFTA, Exploring new markets for non-oil products, NEXIM Bank’s role in promoting agro-led export growthand Empowering Nigerian youth to build globally competitive enterprises
This session follows a successful lineup of recent events at the APC Youth House, including discussions with the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko. Over 100 young participants have also benefited from various capacity-building workshops hosted by the Youth Wing.
According to Hon. Israel, the Youth Wing remains committed to aligning its programs with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with a focus on entrepreneurship, innovation, and inclusive economic growth.
“It’s a packed week of transformative sessions at the Youth House. We’re shaping the minds of our young progressives and building a future driven by innovation, export, and enterprise,” he added.
NEXIM Bank, as Nigeria’s premier export credit agency, plays a strategic role in promoting non-oil export and providing financial solutions that stimulate inclusive economic growth.
This partnership with the APC Youth Wing is a significant step towards integrating young Nigerians into global trade and positioning them for long-term business success.
Agriculture
PULA, Leadway Assurance Disburse ₦396 Million to Climate-Affected Farmers, Strengthen Food Security Efforts
In a major intervention to shield smallholder farmers from climate shocks, agri-insurtech firm PULA has spearheaded the disbursement of ₦396,697,672 in insurance claims to over 40,000 farmers impacted during the 2025 wet season.
The payout, executed in partnership with Leadway Assurance and supported by the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU), covered farmers across Taraba, Borno, Kaduna, and Plateau States who suffered climate-related losses.
The initiative was made possible in part by Bayer Foundation, whose $450,000 premium subsidy support in 2025 wet season helped lower the cost of insurance for thousands of vulnerable smallholders in 8 states, with 4 states receiving payouts. The Foundation is set to scale up its contribution to match the growing aspirations of state governments.
Speaking at the cheque presentation ceremony in Abuja during the 2025 Wet Season Insurance Claims Payout under the National Agribusiness Planning Mechanism (NAPM), PULA’s Nigeria Country Director, Dr. Michael Enahoro, said the initiative goes beyond compensation, insisting that it’s about securing Nigeria’s food systems.
“Our focus is not just on payouts but on increasing food production. We must continue to support farmers who work tirelessly under harsh conditions to feed the nation,” Dr. Enahoro said. He called for stronger policies that directly impact farmers and reaffirmed PULA’s commitment to expanding agricultural insurance as a tool for resilience.
PULA’s data-driven approach to climate risk was key to identifying affected farmers and triggering payments. The company worked with Leadway Assurance to underwrite the risk, while PFSCU aligned the program with the national food security agenda. State governments also supported grassroots enrollment.
Gboyega Lesi, MD/CEO of Leadway Assurance, described the payout as “a reinforcement of a safety net that protects the hard work of thousands of farmers,” adding that “through climate insurance, we ensure that a bad season does not translate into total loss of livelihood.” He commended PULA’s technology and field structure for making rapid, transparent payouts possible.
Ayoola Fatona, Global Head of Agric Solutions at Leadway Assurance, noted that the 2025 wet season brought significant climate variability and yield fluctuations. “The true value of insurance lies in claims payment, especially in challenging periods. Our data-driven partnership with PULA helped mitigate losses,” he said.
Looking ahead, PULA and Leadway Assurance plan to scale coverage to 73,000 farmers in the 2026 farming season, deepening penetration of climate insurance across Nigeria’s food-producing belts.
Commissioners from the beneficiary states commended PULA and Leadway Assurance for de-risking agriculture, restoring farmers’ confidence, and building a more resilient agricultural sector
State-by-state breakdown of claims facilitated by PULA:
- Taraba State: ₦154,308,035
- Borno State: ₦127,192,472
- Kaduna State: ₦69,726,150
- Plateau State: ₦45,471,015
Total: ₦396.7 million.
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