The Nigeria Incentive Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) Plc has announced a landmark achievement, having facilitated the approval of over N100 billion in credit guarantees for loans and investments across the nation agriculture and agribusiness sectors during the 2025 financial year.
This unprecedented figure marks the institution’s highest annual performance since its inception, signaling a decisive shift in lender confidence and a significant de-risking of Nigeria’s agricultural value chains.
In a statement released Monday, NIRSAL emphasized that this milestone demonstrates its “continued success in de-risking agricultural value chains, improving access to finance for agribusinesses, strengthening lender confidence in Nigeria’s agriculture sector, and deepening financial inclusion.”The institution’s impact was formally recognized at the 2nd Edition of the MSME Finance & CEO Awards in Lagos, where NIRSAL was honored as the “MSME Agrifinance Enabler of the Year.” The award celebrates organizations driving innovation and growth within Nigeria’s critical Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) ecosystem.Speaking at the award ceremony, NIRSAL’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Sa’ad Hamidu, attributed the record performance to effective risk-sharing models and robust collaboration with financial institutions.”This achievement underscores the power of partnerships and the resilience of Nigeria’s agribusiness entrepreneurs,” Hamidu stated. Represented by Mr. Akinola Baiyewu, Regional Head, South, Business Development Group, the MD clarified that the institution’s focus remains firmly on impact. “We are not chasing awards. Our priority is to attract partners across the agrifinance value chain by demonstrating that agriculture in Nigeria can be a safe, profitable, and sustainable investment,” he said.Beyond finance, NIRSAL’s technical assistance programs covering field monitoring, project mapping, farmer onboarding, and capacity building have been instrumental in unlocking opportunities for agribusinesses and smallholder farmers.Historically, risk perception has limited lending to Nigeria’s agricultural sector despite the existence of capital. The N100 billion milestone represents a turning point. Financial institutions are increasingly utilizing NIRSAL’s credit risk guarantees to scale their agricultural portfolios and meet commercial objectives.To date, NIRSAL has executed 41 master agreements with financial counterparties committed to jointly financing agriculture nationwide, reflecting deep acceptance of its model.Looking ahead to 2026, NIRSAL is expanding its strategic role. As a Delivery Partner to the Green Climate Fund (GCF), it is implementing nationwide capacity development programs to position Nigeria to attract significant climate finance inflows.Drawing from past initiatives, NIRSAL has refined its offerings for state governments and private investors, now incorporating enhanced protocols like geo-mapping, soil testing, mechanization support, and climate-smart production practices to boost productivity and resilience.”Our journey is far from over indeed, it is only just beginning,” Hamidu concluded. “We will continue to innovate, deepen partnerships, and scale solutions that unlock finance and reduce risks across Nigeria’s agriculture sector.”With momentum building, NIRSAL’s to record-breaking 2025 as a new era of sustained investment and growth for Nigerian agriculture.
