FG targets interest-free loan for farmers in Abia

Politics Spice Special Features Education Sex & Relationship Interview Columns Opinion Advertise with us FG targets interest-free loan for farmers in Abia South News November 11, 2026 12:01 am • GEEP national coordinator Ibrahim Baba and Felix presenting certificates

The Abia State Government, in collaboration with the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), has officially flagged off the enumeration of beneficiaries under the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) 3.0 FarmerMoni initiative in Umuahia, while inaugurating and training desk officers across the state’s 17 local government areas.

The event was organised by the Abia State Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, marking another step towards expanding access to affordable agricultural financing for smallholder farmers in the state.

Speaking at the ceremony, the National Coordinator of GEEP, Ibrahim Baba, described Abia as a state renowned for entrepreneurship and commended Governor Alex Otti, for creating an enabling environment for agricultural development.

He explained that FarmerMoni is one of the components of GEEP, alongside TraderMoni and MarketMoni, designed by the Federal Government to provide interest-free and collateral-free microloans to vulnerable Nigerians who ordinarily have limited access to conventional banking facilities.

He said, “FarmerMoni specifically target smallholder farmers involved in crop cultivation, poultry, livestock production, fisheries and other agricultural activities, providing them with financial support to expand their operations and improve productivity.”

“The eligible beneficiaries can access loans of up to N300,000 without interest or collateral, the funds are intended to help farmers purchase seedlings, agricultural inputs, livestock feed and other essential materials.

“FarmerMoni is a loan scheme, not a grant, repayment is expected to commence between six and nine months after disbursement.

“The revolving nature of the programme would enable other farmers to benefit from the intervention as previous beneficiaries repay their loans.”

The National charged the newly inaugurated Local Government Desk Officers to discharge their responsibilities with integrity, accuracy and accountability, stressing that only registered beneficiaries whose details have been verified would be enumerated.

Commending the agricultural initiatives of the Abia State Government, he observed that Otti’s administration had adopted a data-driven approach to agricultural development rather than relying solely on the distribution of farm inputs.

Baba disclosed that the state had reached over 18,634 farmers through its agricultural support programme in July 2026, describing the development as a strong foundation for the successful implementation of FarmerMoni.

He encouraged the desk officers to collaborate with the state’s agricultural structures, including the appointed farm managers, to ensure that genuine farmers in rural communities are reached.

In her remarks the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection Mrs. Ngozi Felix, welcomed the NSIPA delegation and appreciated the Federal Government for extending the intervention to farmers in the state.

She noted that agriculture remains a major source of livelihood for many Abia households but observed that inadequate access to affordable financing continues to limit the ability of smallholder farmers to expand production and acquire essential agricultural inputs.

Felix described FarmerMoni as a timely intervention that would complement the agricultural development efforts of Otti’s administration by providing farmers with additional financial opportunities.

The Commissioner also acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding economic opportunities for smallholder farmers, while appreciating the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her efforts towards supporting women, young people and vulnerable groups through the Renewed Hope initiative.

She disclosed that NSIPA’s national office had completed the online revalidation of 1,160 farmers in Abia State, with the next phase involving a 20-day physical field enumeration exercise across the 17 local government areas.

According to the Ministry, will involve physical verification of beneficiaries, documentation of their farming activities and collection of relevant information for further assessment under the programme.

Also speaking, the South-East Coordinator of GEEP, Mrs. Ifeoma Mba, described the assignment as a serious responsibility and urged the newly inaugurated officers to approach their duties with dedication and professionalism.

In a remark the State Programme Manager, Mrs. Ucheoma Udor, urged the desk officers to demonstrate professionalism, integrity and commitment to the success of the programme.

“Ensure that eligible farmers across the 17 local government areas benefit from the initiative, while maintaining accuracy and transparency throughout the enumeration exercise,” she added,

The 17 local government desk officers were equipped with tablets and power banks to facilitate their field assignments.

Ogbonnaya Ikokwu is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with 17 years of professional experience. He has served as a correspondent covering Abia State since 2015 and focuses on governance, human rights, justice, and equity. Ogbonnaya’s work reflects strong organizational skills, editorial discipline, and a commitment to objective and responsible journalism.

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