The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has sought for partnership with the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) in the efforts of the Federal Government to ensure reformation of inmates held in custodial centres across the country.
Tunji-Ojo, made the call on Wednesday to the NIRSAL delegation on a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja.
The Minister, citing the relevance of the organization, said NIRSAL could do a lot good to Nigeria Correctional Service and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
He added that with the rising budgetary cost in the feeding of inmates, he noted that NIRSAL could partner with the Interior Ministry to secure funds for the engagement of inmates for farming activities to produce their food.
He also established nexus between his Ministry and the services rendered by the institution, saying security of investment guarantee by Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending was paramount by protecting the farms for peaceful atmosphere to prevail in the vicinity, which Agro Ranger of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps is saddled with, the Minister added.
Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations, Mr Afonja Ajibola Fatai, in a statement noted that Dr Tunji-Ojo, further explained that NIRSAL is serving as a bridge between lending institution and prospective loan seeker for agricultural related business, which he said is integrity driven.
The Minister implored the team, led by its Managing Director, Abbas Umar Masanawa, to do more on their perception management, saying not many Nigerians know about NIRSAL, urging the team to always tell their stories.
He appreciated the NIRSAL team for the visit and urged them to look inward and identify agencies to partner with, rather than working in silo which will minimize the positive impact of their operation.
Earlier in his delivery, the NIRSAL Chief Executive, Abbas Umar Masanawa, told the Minister that they were in the Ministry to congratulate him for his well- deserved appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as Minister of Interior and also seek for a possible collaboration with the Ministry in its service.
He explained to the Minister that NIRSAL is a non-bank financial Institution wholly owned by the Central Bank of Nigeria to redefine dimension, measure, reprice and share agribusiness related credit risk in Nigeria.
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