FG Launches FarmerMonie and RHGEEP 3.0 to Boost Farmers and Small Businesses

The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled a new nationwide agricultural and enterprise support initiative designed to empower over 20,000 farmers and small business owners across the country.

Launched in Abuja, the programme introduces the FarmerMonie Dry and Wet Season Scheme alongside the Renewed Hope Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (RHGEEP 3.0), both aimed at strengthening grassroots economic participation, improving food security, and expanding financial inclusion.

Interest-Free Support for Farmers

At the heart of the initiative is FarmerMonie, a financial support scheme tailored specifically for smallholder farmers. Beneficiaries can access interest-free and collateral-free loans of up to ₦300,000, giving them the opportunity to invest in seeds, fertilizers, irrigation tools, and other essential farming inputs.

Unlike many traditional credit facilities, the scheme is structured around Nigeria’s farming calendar, covering both dry and wet planting seasons. This ensures that farmers receive funding when it is most critical for planting, cultivation, and harvest preparation.

To further ease the burden on participants, a three-month moratorium is provided before repayment begins. This grace period allows farmers to cultivate and generate returns before meeting repayment obligations.

The programme is expected to reach beneficiaries across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, covering the 774 local government areas in Nigeria.

Boost for Micro and Small Businesses

In addition to supporting farmers, the government also rolled out RHGEEP 3.0, a broader enterprise empowerment scheme targeting micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs).

This component focuses on traders, artisans, and small business operators who often struggle to access affordable credit. By providing structured financial support and encouraging formal registration, the programme seeks to:

• Expand business operations
• Create employment opportunities
• Reduce poverty at the grassroots level
• Strengthen the informal sector’s contribution to national GDP

Officials say the integration of farmers and small entrepreneurs into the formal financial system is a key strategy for building a more inclusive and resilient economy.

Aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda

Speaking during the launch event, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Bernard Doro, emphasized that empowering farmers and small business owners is essential for sustainable national development.

According to him, agriculture remains one of the most reliable pathways for lifting communities out of poverty, while small enterprises serve as the backbone of local economies. By combining targeted agricultural financing with enterprise support, the government aims to stimulate production, enhance food supply, and promote long-term economic stability.

Why the Programme Matters

The introduction of FarmerMonie and RHGEEP 3.0 comes at a time when many rural farmers and micro-entrepreneurs face limited access to capital. Rising input costs and economic pressures have made it increasingly difficult for small producers to expand operations.

This initiative is significant because it:

• Encourages year-round farming through dry and wet season funding
• Reduces dependence on high-interest informal loans
• Strengthens rural livelihoods
• Supports food security goals
• Promotes inclusive financial growth

If effectively implemented and monitored, the programme could mark a major step toward revitalizing Nigeria’s agricultural sector while empowering thousands of small businesses nationwide.

As registration and implementation roll out across the country, many farmers and entrepreneurs are hopeful that this initiative will translate into real opportunities, increased productivity, and improved standards of living.