The Federal Government has unveiled a new round of interest-free, collateral-free loans targeting at least 22,000 farmers across all 774 local government areas, in a nationwide drive aimed at boosting food production and reducing poverty, Dip Connect Online News reports.
The initiative, which offers up to N300,000 per beneficiary, is being implemented under the FarmerMoni Dry and Wet Season Programme of the Renewed Hope Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP 3.0) by the National Social Investment Programme Agency.
Speaking during the official launch in Abuja on Wednesday, National Programme Manager of GEEP, Hamza Baba, announced that the application portal is now open for eligible participants nationwide.
“From today, our portal is open for eligible farmers to register and access these loans. They are interest-free and collateral-free,” he said.
Eligibility Requirements
The programme is strictly for active grassroots farmers rather than new entrants. Applicants must:
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Be Nigerian citizens aged 18 and above
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Own or lease farmland
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Possess a bank account and National Identification Number (NIN)
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Hold municipal identification
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Belong to a registered farming cooperative or association within their local government
Baba explained that this phase targets about 28 farmers per local government across Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory. Implementation will involve state programme managers, enumerators, financial institutions, fintech recovery agents, Agricultural Development Projects, and farmer associations to ensure efficient rollout.
Broader Economic Strategy
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Bernard Doro, described the intervention as a practical step toward delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He noted that beyond farmers, GEEP 3.0 will also support artisans, petty traders, and small-scale entrepreneurs through complementary schemes such as TraderMoni. According to him, assisting farmers in both dry and wet seasons will help reduce production risks, improve yields, and strengthen national food security.
“Our farmers are the backbone of the economy. Supporting them is both an economic necessity and a moral duty,” the minister stated.
Stakeholders React
President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Muhammad Magaji, welcomed the initiative, saying it is structured to benefit genuine farmers, many of whom belong to the association.
Similarly, Hajarah Adesuyi Adeyeye, National President of the National Agro Allied Commodities Cooperatives of Nigeria, described the programme as timely and strategic, stressing that smallholder farmers constitute a major share of the country’s workforce. She added that the cooperative’s extensive nationwide membership stands to benefit significantly.
Grassroots Access and Monitoring
GEEP Administrative Officer Ifeoma Chukwumbah urged farmers to register through their local government GEEP offices, assuring that arrangements have been made to ensure easy grassroots access. She added that monitoring, evaluation, and capacity-building components are embedded in the scheme to ensure proper utilisation and long-term success.
The launch also featured an exhibition where farmers displayed their produce to dignitaries and stakeholders, highlighting the sector’s potential.
National Impact Outlook
Officials say the programme’s core objective is clear: reduce poverty through empowerment. With rising food prices and pressure on rural livelihoods, stakeholders believe the success of the scheme could play a decisive role in strengthening agricultural productivity and delivering tangible economic relief for farmers nationwide.
ADEOLA KUNLE
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