Profile of Yazeed DanFulani, new MD of NAIC

Yazeed Shehu DanFulani, popularly known by his traditional titles Garkuwan Matasa and Lamidon Tsafe, has emerged as a notable figure in Nigeria’s public service.

He was recently appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC).

DanFulani is well known for his support for youth empowerment, his background in banking, and his deep dedication to the country’s growth.

Profile summary

Name: Yazeed Shehu DanFulani

Date of birth: April 15th, 1986

Place of birth: Zamfara State, Nigeria

Education: University of Hertfordshire

Relationship status: Married

Religion: Islam

Career: Public Servant

Background

DanFulani was born on April 15, 1986, in Gusau, Zamfara State. He started his early Islamic education at Madrasatil Dhariqul Huda, commonly referred to as Makarantar Malam Dan Hajo.

His formal education began at Dan Turai Primary School in Gusau between 1991 and 1996, before proceeding to Therbow Secondary School in Zaria, where he completed his studies in 2005.

In 2007, he received an International Diploma in Computing from the Informatics Institute in Kazaure, Jigawa State.

He later travelled to the United Kingdom, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (BA Hons) from the University of Hertfordshire in 2010.

He also completed a Master’s in Arts and Management Studies from the same university. To further broaden his knowledge, he secured an MBA from the International University in Malaysia in 2012.

Career journey

DanFulani began his working career during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme at the Ministry of Works and Transport in Kaduna State.

He then gained experience in various organizations within Zamfara State and other parts of the country, focusing on banking, computing, and business administration.

His breakthrough came in 2013 when he joined the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), where he built a reputation for hard work and creativity.

Not long after, former Governor Dr. Bello Matawalle appointed him as Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in Zamfara, making him the youngest person to hold such a position in the state’s history.

Private life

DanFulani, known as Lamidon Tsafe in traditional circles, is married to three wives and has six children.

Despite his busy schedule, he remains closely connected to his cultural roots and continues to serve his community.

Advocacy

Outside of government, DanFulani is also known for his passion for community service.

He is the founder and president of the Arewa Development and Empowerment Foundation (ADEF), a group focused on helping young people in Northern Nigeria with training, mentorship, education, and entrepreneurship.

Through ADEF, many Nigerian youths have been given the tools and guidance to succeed on their own.

Appointment

In May 2025, President Tinubu appointed him to lead NAIC. The move is seen as part of the president’s Renewed Hope agenda to improve the agricultural sector.

With DanFulani’s broad experience, he is expected to develop modern insurance policies and risk solutions that will protect farmers from losses and boost food production nationwide.