FG to Begin Disbursement of Loans to Farmers and Small Businesses under GEEP

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to begin the disbursement of interest-free loans to farmers, traders, and small-scale business owners across the country before the end of 2025.

This initiative is being implemented under the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), one of the flagship components of the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP).

FarmerMoni Scheme – Up to ₦100,000 Loan Support

According to the National Programme Manager of GEEP, Hamza Ibrahim Baba, the new phase of FarmerMoni will provide loans of up to ₦100,000 per beneficiary. The scheme specifically targets smallholder farmers in:

• Poultry farming
• Aquaculture
• Livestock rearing
• Crop production

Beneficiaries will enjoy a six-month moratorium before repayment begins, giving them enough time to invest in inputs such as fertilisers, seeds, livestock, feeds, veterinary drugs, and essential farm tools.

“These are not grants but interest-free loans,” Baba explained. “The aim is to support Nigerians at the grassroots to grow their businesses, expand productivity, and create jobs.”

GEEP’s Three Loan Schemes

GEEP operates through three key schemes, each designed to support different segments of Nigeria’s informal economy:

• TraderMoni → For young petty traders between 18–45 years old.
• MarketMoni → For women engaged in small-scale trading and market activities.
• FarmerMoni → For rural farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs.

Through these, the government hopes to strengthen financial inclusion, helping Nigerians at the “bottom of the pyramid” access collateral-free loans and become part of the formal financial system.

Transparency and Grassroots Implementation

The loans will be coordinated in all 774 local government areas through GEEP Desk Officers and field enumerators. Traders’ associations, cooperatives, and market leaders are expected to play a major role in identifying genuine beneficiaries to ensure transparency.

“The success of GEEP depends on reaching those who truly need the support, not those seeking to abuse the system,” Baba emphasized.

Looking Ahead: GEEP Expansion in 2026

The Tinubu administration has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding GEEP beyond 2025. The current rollout will serve as a pilot phase, while broader expansion is planned for 2026 to cover more farmers, artisans, and small businesses nationwide.

GEEP also works alongside other NSIP programmes, including:

• Conditional Cash Transfers (CCT)
• National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme
• Grants for Vulnerable Groups

Together, these initiatives aim to reduce poverty, stimulate entrepreneurship, and boost livelihoods across Nigeria.

Voices from the Grassroots

Some early beneficiaries have expressed gratitude.

• Hauwa Musa, a trader, said the loan support had improved her business and living conditions.
• Mallam Umar Usman, a farmer, noted he was still awaiting inclusion but described the initiative as a “welcome development” that could change lives.

Market leaders have also pledged cooperation with GEEP officers to ensure fair distribution, stressing that transparent implementation will build trust and empower more Nigerians.