The Niger Government, in collaboration with the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), is set to provide 600 farmers in the state with N300,000 interest-free loans each. This initiative is part of the Federal Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), aimed at empowering small-scale farmers. The programme seeks to enhance agricultural productivity and output, aligning with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.
The loans will enable farmers to purchase essential agricultural inputs, thereby improving their productivity and increasing output. According to Mr. Hamza Baba, the National Programme Manager of GEEP, the funds will be repayable within one year, with repayment expected to commence six months after the commencement of farming activities. This repayment structure is designed to be flexible and manageable for the beneficiaries.
To ensure the authenticity and effectiveness of the programme, the trained desk officers will be responsible for identifying, registering, and verifying eligible farmers. The registration process involves digital capturing of farmers' photographs, biometrics, National Identification Numbers (NIN), and farm locations. This rigorous verification process aims to prevent the inclusion of fictitious beneficiaries and ensure that the loans reach genuine farmers across the state.
The GEEP programme comprises three main components: FarmerMoni, MarketMoni, and TraderMoni. The current exercise, FarmerMoni, focuses on providing loans to farmers engaged in crop cultivation, poultry, livestock, fishery, and aquaculture. The programme is being implemented in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), and local government desk officers.
Dr. Ibrahim Inga, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, commended the initiative as a complementary effort by the federal government to support the state government's poverty reduction programmes. He emphasized the importance of transparency, due diligence, and the selection of genuine beneficiaries. The involvement of stakeholders is crucial in ensuring the programme's success and accountability.
Mrs. Hauwa Mohammed, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Social Investment Programme, highlighted the state's commitment to implementing GEEP. She noted that the desk officers have been provided with tablets to capture farmers and their farmlands, which will help prevent the inclusion of fictitious beneficiaries. The exercise is part of the state's efforts to reduce poverty and support small-scale farmers.
The programme's success will be monitored through collaboration between the agency, AFAN, ADP, and local government desk officers. This partnership aims to ensure accountability and proper use of the funds. With the implementation of GEEP, the Niger Government and NSIPA are poised to make a positive impact on the lives of small-scale farmers and contribute to the state's economic growth.
Key points
- The Federal Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) aims to empower 600 small-scale farmers in Niger state with N300,000 interest-free loans.
- The loans are repayable within one year, with repayment expected to commence six months after the commencement of farming activities.
- The programme seeks to enhance agricultural productivity and output, aligning with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.
