The Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC) has announced the appointment of Mrs. Florence Onwanuokwu as its new Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. Her appointment follows the completion of tenure by Mrs. Folashade Joseph.
This was made known in a statement released on Friday and signed by the Deputy General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Magdalene Omosimua.
Before stepping into her new role, Mrs. Onwanuokwu was the General Manager in charge of Underwriting at NAIC. With over 34 years of experience in Nigeria’s insurance industry, she brings a deep well of knowledge and leadership to the corporation at a crucial time for agricultural insurance in the country.
NAIC plays a key role in supporting Nigeria’s agricultural sector by providing insurance coverage for livestock, crops, vehicles, and other agri-assets. Its subsidised agricultural insurance schemes are designed to reduce farmers’ risks and improve productivity across the country.
In a brief handover ceremony held at the corporation’s headquarters, Mrs. Onwanuokwu expressed gratitude to her predecessor, Mrs. Folashade Joseph, for her years of leadership and commitment.
“I appreciate the groundwork that has been laid and the strong foundation built under Mrs. Joseph’s leadership. I look forward to building on that legacy and taking NAIC to greater heights,” she said.
While handing over, the outgoing MD/CEO, Mrs. Joseph, also expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for the opportunity to serve, as well as to the staff of the corporation for their support during her tenure.
She stated, “It has been a privilege to serve as Managing Director of NAIC. I thank the Federal Government for the trust, and I am confident that Mrs. Onwanuokwu, with her wealth of experience, will continue to move the Corporation forward.”
Under Mrs. Joseph’s leadership, NAIC experienced growth in its core operations, with improvements in service delivery, operational systems, and stakeholder engagement.
Industry observers believe that the transition comes at a crucial moment, as Nigeria pushes for more private investment in agriculture and seeks to better protect farmers from risks caused by climate change, pests, and market instability.
With Onwanuokwu’s wealth of experience, stakeholders in the agricultural and insurance sectors are hopeful that NAIC will continue to play a vital role in supporting farmers and enhancing food security in the country.
