The Federal Government and the Niger State Government plan to disburse N300,000 in interest-free loans to each of 600 smallholder farmers in the state, bringing the total potential funding to N180 million.
The intervention is being implemented through the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), which sits under the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), with the aim of improving agricultural productivity and supporting smallholder producers.
GEEP National Programme Manager Hamza Baba disclosed the plan on Saturday in Minna during the commencement of the FarmerMoni enumeration exercise and the training of GEEP desk officers drawn from the state's 25 local government areas.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Baba explained that the loans would help farmers purchase agricultural inputs, expand production and improve their livelihoods. Each eligible farmer will receive N300,000, repayable within one year, with repayment expected to begin six months after farming activities commence.
The programme covers farmers involved in crop cultivation, poultry, livestock, fisheries and aquaculture. Beneficiaries will be identified, registered and verified to ensure that funds reach active farmers. Requirements for the enumeration exercise include digital photographs and biometric information, National Identification Numbers, verified farm locations, details of agricultural activities, and registration through designated GEEP desk officers.
Baba added that the agency would collaborate with the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, the Agricultural Development Programme and local government officials to monitor loan utilisation and repayment.
Niger State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management Ibrahim Inga described the initiative as part of efforts to complement existing poverty reduction programmes in the state. He said the involvement of relevant stakeholders would strengthen transparency and ensure only genuine farmers benefit.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Social Investment Programme Hauwa Mohammed said desk officers had been equipped with tablets to capture farmers' details and farmland locations. She explained that the digital registration process would help prevent fictitious beneficiaries from accessing the loans.
