General
Wheat Development Programme Yield Underscores Role of Research and Trials

Nigeria’s aspiration for wheat production self-sufficiency is being pursued on diverse fronts by stakeholders in the value chain including government, policymakers, farmers, researchers, scientists, institutions, millers, etc. under different aegis and initiatives.
For the Flour Milling Association of Nigeria (FMAN), that initiative would be its Wheat Development Programme (WDP). Under the auspices of the FMAN WDP, millers have continued to invest over N500 million annually to support local smallholder wheat farmers amongst other activities aimed at boosting local wheat production in Nigeria.
This intervention included a scaled out-grower programme that provided the high-yielding seed for smallholder wheat farmers in the wheat-producing belts of Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe and Zamfara States. It also included a sustained working relationship with the Wheat Farmers Association of Nigeria (WFAN), funding of the Lake Chad Research Institute (LCRI) located in Maiduguri and the expansion of the seed varietal testing and multiplication sites in Kano, Sokoto, Kaduna, and Jigawa States.
The outcome of all of these efforts underscores the efficacy of research and trials, which today is glaring for all to see. According to the latest wheat harvest yield data released for the 2021 harvest season, the average wheat harvest yield across the Wheat Farmer Service Centres established under the WDP in Jigawa, Kebbi and Kano rose from 1 ton to an average of 4 ton per hectare.
Going by the harvest yield data, the aggregate total yield derived from the 15 wheat collection centres located in the wheat farming belts of Northern Nigeria stood at over 800 tons. The leap in wheat yield per hectare in the current harvest season is expected to rise even more to a remarkable aggregate sum when the harvest season rounds off this June 2021.
The current improved harvest yield is in stark contrast to the previous experience recorded in the wheat production value chain in previous years. This is hugely because the tendency of achieving wheat sufficiency in Nigeria has been marred by disinterest and apathy by stakeholders in the agro value chain in the past 3 decades.
Although the country recorded some feat in its wheat development drive between 1987 and 1991, the departure from the programme in the subsequent years wiped off most of the gains derived from the previous development efforts.
However, the pivot to wheat derivative food consumption by Nigeria’s teeming population since 2016, and the oil shock of the same year stimulated renewed interest in developing the wheat production value chain to tap the export potential of the crop and meet the demand for quality, nutritious and affordable foods by the masses.
From inception, there are quite a number of hurdles to sale to be able to raise the local wheat production levels. The hurdles include a traumatizing security issue across the wheat-producing belts, the low access to high-yielding wheat seeds and critical farming inputs, and the dearth of mechanized and modernized farming practices along the wheat farming segment. These hurdles impact the quality, quantity and price of the little wheat produce delivered locally. They have also led to sub-par performance on regional wheat production levels.
The landscape is gradually shifting though. This is because the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) and FMAN rose to the challenge to push the country forward in its goal of achieving wheat production self-sufficiency.
Through the quality partnership with various wheat development experts such as the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), the Lake Chad Research Institute (LCRI), the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), Tractor on the Go and the Wheat Farmers Association of Nigeria (WFAN) amongst others, priority was given to deepening agronomic practices in the wheat production segment.
Smallholder wheat farmers were supplied with quality input to enhance their harvest yields, the level of research was scaled to ensure high-yielding seeds were experimented with and released at improved frequency. Relevant modern infrastructural facilities were also made available on the farmlands. An out-grower scheme was introduced to extend timely loan resources to the wheat smallholders.
The intervention data has been outstanding. In the 2020 and 2021 wheat cultivation and harvesting seasons alone, over 800 wheat farmers benefited from the FMAN’s out-grower scheme. Mechanized harvesting and threshing support were extended to 493 farmers. Wheat seed production has been significantly raised to 80 tons. The scaled seed tonnage would adequately cover 800 hectares when the next cultivation season begins.
Although the financial cost of these huge intervention efforts may be massive, the result is turning out to be impressive, encouraging and makes it worthwhile. The notable outcome and growth in the wheat harvest yield was announced and applauded during an event organized by FMAN to celebrate the smallholder wheat farmers who put in so much effort to deliver the bountiful wheat yield.
Tagged the Wheat Farmers Yield Championship, the event was held in Jigawa State on Wednesday, May 2021. While giving the welcome address at the event, Sarah Huber, the Head of FMAN, said, “Our wheat development efforts at FMAN are beginning to yield remarkable results. A larger percentage of the wheat farmers that participated in our 2020/ 2021 Out-grower programme has been able to increase their wheat yield from 1 ton to 4 ton per hectare”.
She added, “The improved wheat harvest yields can be attributed to the sheer level of hard work put in by wheat farmers and we are proud of their commitment to the goals of achieving local wheat production sufficiency in Nigeria. This new achievement foreshadows what we will be able to achieve together in the next 4 years, considering our scaled level of investment into research, distribution of high yielding seeds, provision of crucial farming inputs and training for the farmers”.
She thanked the farmers for their contributions to the success of the FMAN’s Wheat Development Programme. As part of the wheat post-harvest event, FMAN awarded branded products, fertilizer and lots more to the three best performing farmers from 3 states in the wheat farming belts. Hassan Usaini, a wheat farmer from Jigawa state, was announced as the best wheat farmer for the 2021 harvest season. Nalami Abdulmuminu, a wheat farmer from Kano came second. He was followed by Samaila Hassan, also from Kano.
For his outstanding wheat harvest yield, Hassan Usaini was given an excellence award. A female farmer was also awarded for being the only woman that participated in the 2021 wheat harvest season.
While receiving his award, Hassan Usaini extended gratitude to FMAN for the investment efforts put into ensuring that farmers improve in farming practices and can access high-yielding seeds and quality inputs when due. He remarked that he had acquired enough agronomic training and advice that he would build upon to raise his wheat harvest yields to a better level in subsequent years.
Meanwhile, Ashish Pande, Managing Director of Crown Flour Mill Limited, a subsidiary of Olam, which is a major contributor and key member of FMAN, also spoke about the impressive wheat harvest yield.
He said, “The outstanding 2020/ 2021 wheat harvest yield has further deepened our local wheat sufficiency drive and reinforced our support for a research-based development approach in order to raise the level of local wheat production and achieve the local wheat production sufficiency goal of the government. CFM is committed to scaling the wheat harvest yield results in the coming years and will be unfolding other development initiatives to drive local production levels higher as part of efforts to ensure that Nigerian households continue to have access to more nutritious and affordable wheat derivative food brands such as our Mama Gold semolina brand and the non-sticky Crown Premium Pasta to nourish their families.”
Among the dignitaries that attended the FMAN Wheat Harvest Yield event were Alhaji Rabiu Ali Taura, District Head of Taura in Kano state, Alhaji Abbas Yau, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture in Jigawa state and Alhaji Rabiu Gwarzo, Vice Chairman of Northern Nigeria Flour Mills Plc.
Given the improved 2021 wheat harvest yield, it can be said that Nigeria is on track to attaining its wheat self-sufficiency target. When fully attained, the coveted non-dependence on imported wheat will significantly reduce the nation’s trade deficit and ensure Nigerians continue to access the highly nutritious semolina, pasta, noodles and pastries products at their preferred prices.
The WDP is a research-based development approach to help raise the level of local wheat production and ultimately achieve the local wheat production sufficiency goal of the government.
General
AXA Mansard’s Ngozi Ola-Israel Wins Women Tabloid’s CFO of the Year Award

By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Chief Financial Officer of AXA Mansard, Ms Ngozi Ola-Israel, has clinched the CFO of the Year award of the prestigious Women Tabloid Awards, a platform designed to celebrate trailblazing women redefining success and challenging stereotypes across industries and geographies.
Ms Ola-Israel is one of the leading CFOs on the continent as she was recognised as one of the Top 50 CFOs in Africa in 2024
She thanked the organisers of the awards for the honour and going above and beyond to spotlight the incredible work and impact of women across sectors.
“My emergence as the 2025 CFO of the Year is further proof of AXA’s commitment to inclusive protection and to creating an environment where people are empowered to care and dare
“I am incredibly grateful for the people I work with. Their collaboration and dedication have shaped this journey, culminating in this award.
“Recognition like this only happens when you’re surrounded by people who challenge you to be your best and support you through it all.
“This honour will fuel my resolve to continue giving my best, mentoring others, and creating opportunities that elevate women, the finance profession, and impactful leadership,” she enthused.
On her part, the Chief Client Officer of AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, Ms Rashidat Adebisi, said the recognition of her colleague is another testament to the remarkable role she and her team continue to play in the company’s success, despite the challenges of the dynamic operating environment.
“On behalf of the board and management, I congratulate our dear CFO. This is a well-deserved recognition.
“Under her leadership, we have achieved sustained financial growth, strengthened our market positioning, and enhanced corporate governance.
“Her visionary leadership was instrumental in the successful implementation of IFRS 17, reinforcing our commitment to transparency and global best practices,” she stated.
Ms Ola-Israel, a respected voice in the finance community, is a member of the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council.
With over a decade of dedicated service at AXA Mansard, she began her journey as Group Head of Financial Control and rose to the position of CFO in 2017.
Under her leadership, the company surpassed its 2024 revenue targets by 32 per cent and recorded a nearly 50 per cent increase in share price.
She also served as Chief Data Officer from 2019 to 2024, leading enterprise-wide data transformation and strategy.
Her influence extends to board-level roles as a non-executive director at AXA Mansard Investments and APD, where she contributes to governance and performance oversight.
Ms Ola-Israel has led several transformative initiatives, including the development of KPI and premium financing dashboards, a car valuation model that improved claims integrity, a remote vehicle inspection tool, and a comprehensive value chain analysis that enhanced operational efficiency and customer experience.
Beyond finance, she is a passionate mentor and advocate for gender equity. She founded the Finance Community at AXA Mansard to promote continuous learning and mentor aspiring women board members through WIMBIZ. She also plays a key role in AXA Mansard’s sustainability agenda, embedding ESG strategies into operations and strategic planning.
She has spoken at major industry events, including the 2024 International Conference for Women in Insurance.
General
Nigeria Calls for Calm Amid Deportation Threats from Ghana

By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has moved to quell rising worries amid an alleged call for the deportation of Nigerians from Ghana.
The Chairman of the commission, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in a statement issued by the Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols of NiDCOM, Mr Abdur-Rahman Balogun, made the call following tensions between citizens of the two West African countries.
She said the issue was already being handled at the diplomatic level by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Business Post reports that the statement followed the backdrop of a trending video on social media showing some Ghanaians demanding the immediate repatriation of Nigerians from their country.
“The attention of NiDCOM has been drawn to a disturbing video on social media showing protest by some Ghanaians, calling on the authority to send Nigerians back to Nigeria.
“I appeal for calm and urge Nigerians living in Ghana not to be provoked or go into violence with anyone, as the issue is being handled at the diplomatic level by the Minister of State Foreign Affairs, Mrs Bianca Ojukwu.
“Anyone using inciteful words, on both sides should desist henceforth, as such statements are capable of escalating the matter,” the NiDCOM head said, urging Nigerians to disregard the videos circulating that Nigerians’ shops and properties were being destroyed by Ghanaians.
According to the NiDCOM boss, there is no evidence to that effect and so Nigerians must at all cost try to prevent any reprisal attacks.
She lauded the Ghanaian and Nigerian High Commissioners for their efforts to control the situation.
Mrs Dabiri-Erewa added that the Minister of State, Foreign Affairs was already in touch with Ghanaian authorities, and had taken some pro- active measures toward finding an amicable resolution, stressing that the blanket outrage against Nigerians living in Ghana and branding them as criminals should be condemned by all.
This, according to her, is because Nigerians are not criminals but good ambassadors wherever they find themselves, advising that the bad ones among them should be fished out to face necessary sanctions.
“Ghana and Nigeria are like siamese twins. They are brothers, and in the spirit of ECOWAS and regional integration, should continue to live in peace like brothers,” she added.
General
NAICOM Limits Insurtech Firms From Oil, Gas, Marine, Crypto Businesses

By Adedapo Adesanya
Insurance technology (insurtech) companies will be limited from participating in businesses in the oil and gas, marine, aviation sectors, among others, and engaging in cryptocurrency transactions.
This is part of new guidelines published by the industry’s regulator, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) effective from August 1.
According to the guidelines for insurtech operations in Nigeria, issued on Wednesday via its website, NAICOM noted that these cannot be carried out without its approval, noting that insurance businesses like “oil and gas insurance, marine and aviation insurance, retirement life annuity, and insurance of government assets and liabilities for ministries, departments, and agencies. Launching products or using dynamic pricing without actuarial support or prior approval from the Commission, and complete reliance on artificial intelligence systems to decline claims without human intervention.
“Crypto-based transactions: Acceptance of premiums or settlement of claims in cryptocurrency without prior approval of the Commission. Data privacy violations: Sharing of personal data without explicit consent, in breach of NDPR or related frameworks. Manipulative platform design (Dark Patterns): Interface design tactics that mislead users into purchasing or renewing an insurance policy. Cross-border digital sales without approval: Offering insurance to foreign jurisdictions without prior approval of the Commission.”
They are also barred from physical marketing of insurance products as done by conventional insurance operators.
In terms of the minimum capital threshold, NAICOM said that for standalone insurtech, it will be the higher of “a. N1.5m per category of general or non-life insurance business or risk-based capital determined from time to time by the Commission. b. N1,000,000,000 per category of life insurance business or risk-based capital determined from time to time by the Commission; or c. Such other amount as may be prescribed by the commission from time to time.”
For insurtech partnering with insurance institutions, the regulator pegged the minimum capital requirement at N10 million as of the date of application and shall continue to maintain the same throughout the license period.
It added a professional indemnity of not less than N100 million or as may be prescribed by the Commission from time to time.
The commission warned that it may increase from time to time the minimum capital requirement.
Also, players in this sector would be required to submit to the commission audited annual financial statements not later than the first quarter of the subsequent year.
NAICOM has warned that once the guidelines become effective on Friday, all insurance institutions and insurtech firms operating under any agreement, whether called insurtech business or otherwise, shall comply with the provisions of these guidelines within 30 days of their coming into effect.
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