More than 22000 small scale farmers across Nigeria are set to receive interest free loans of N300000 each as the Federal Government expands efforts to address hunger, boost rural livelihoods and deepen financial inclusion.
The funding initiative, introduced under the Government Enterprise Empowerment Programme, was announced in Abuja during the unveiling of the Farmer Monie Dry and Wet Season Programme.
Officials say the scheme will cut across the 774 local government areas in the country, ensuring nationwide coverage.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Bernard Doro, explained that the support is tailored to farmers who are already cultivating at subsistence level.
According to him, the facility is strictly for vulnerable producers and excludes large scale operators.
He said applicants must be Nigerian citizens aged 18 years and above who are actively engaged in farming. Prospective beneficiaries are required to have a Bank Verification Number, National Identification Number and an operational bank account.
Membership of a registered farming cooperative or association within their local government area is also mandatory.
In addition, applicants must either own farmland or have legally rented land for cultivation.
The minister stressed that the programme is not designed for newcomers to agriculture but for individuals who are already working the land and require financial backing to strengthen their productivity.
He noted that state programme managers, enumerators, financial institutions, recovery agents and Agricultural Development Project offices will collaborate with farmer associations to coordinate implementation across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
According to Doro, the loan amount was determined after assessing the basic cost requirements of small farming activities.
He described the intervention as part of the administration’s broader commitment to poverty reduction and economic inclusion, saying the objective is to expand opportunities for those at the grassroots and integrate them into formal financial systems.
He added that the initiative aligns with the government’s policy direction aimed at restoring dignity and creating economic openings for underserved Nigerians, particularly those operating small businesses in rural communities.
Also speaking at the launch, the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency, Badamasi Lawal, highlighted the strong participation of women in the agricultural workforce.
He disclosed that women account for a significant share of workers in the agro sector and are expected to make up the majority of beneficiaries under the scheme.
Lawal expressed confidence that female recipients would deploy the funds effectively, noting that empowering women within agricultural value chains has far reaching benefits for households and the economy.
With the portal now open for applications, officials say the rollout marks a renewed push to strengthen food production while providing financial relief to thousands of smallholder farmers nationwide.
