Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, extended an invitation for collaboration with the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) during a courtesy visit to the NIRSAL office in Abuja on Wednesday. The Minister, in his meeting with NIRSAL officials, highlighted the potential benefits that such a partnership could offer to both the Nigeria Correctional Service and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Deputy Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Interior, Afonja Ajibola Fatai, relayed the Minister’s sentiments, emphasizing the strategic importance of NIRSAL’s involvement in addressing the budgetary challenges associated with inmate feeding. Dr. Tunji-Ojo proposed that NIRSAL could collaborate with the Ministry of Interior to secure funds for engaging inmates in agricultural activities, thereby enabling them to produce their own food.
Furthermore, the Minister drew a direct connection between the functions of his ministry and the services provided by NIRSAL. He stressed the critical role of NIRSAL in guaranteeing the security of agricultural investments, ensuring a peaceful atmosphere in farming communities. This security, he noted, aligns with the responsibilities of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, specifically the Agro Ranger unit.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo elucidated on NIRSAL’s role as a bridge between lending institutions and individuals seeking loans for agricultural ventures, underscoring the organization’s commitment to integrity. He encouraged the NIRSAL team, led by Managing Director Abbas Umar Masanawa, to enhance their public perception and outreach, pointing out the need to raise awareness among Nigerians about NIRSAL’s mission and services.
Expressing gratitude for the visit, the Minister urged NIRSAL to explore collaborative opportunities with various agencies, emphasizing the importance of working together to maximize the positive impact of their operations, rather than operating in isolation.
In his remarks, Abbas Umar Masanawa, the Chief Executive of NIRSAL, conveyed the organization’s congratulations to Minister Tunji-Ojo on his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. He also outlined NIRSAL’s core mandate as a non-bank financial institution wholly owned by the Central Bank of Nigeria. NIRSAL’s mission is to redefine, measure, reprice, and share credit risks associated with agribusiness in Nigeria.
The meeting between Minister Tunji-Ojo and the NIRSAL team signifies a potential collaboration that could address critical issues within the correctional services sector and bolster security efforts, ultimately contributing to the development of agriculture in Nigeria.
