The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State Government, has launched the RH-GEEP 3.0 (FarmerMoni) loan scheme, offering collateral-free financing of up to ₦300,000 to smallholder farmers, traders, and rural entrepreneurs as part of ongoing efforts to deepen financial inclusion and stimulate grassroots economic activity.
The initiative was formally presented during the South-South Media Sensitization and Outreach programme held at Ibom Hall in Uyo, where stakeholders gathered to drive awareness and strengthen implementation of the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP). The exercise was coordinated by the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) under the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, in partnership with the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, described FarmerMoni as a targeted intervention designed to improve access to finance for underserved populations while boosting productivity across local economies. She said the scheme aligns with the state’s broader development priorities focused on agriculture and social protection.
“This programme is not just about loans; it is about creating sustainable livelihoods and empowering our people at the grassroots,” Ibanga said, while conveying the support of Governor Umo Eno. She also acknowledged the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting its emphasis on poverty reduction and inclusive growth.
Ibanga stressed that beneficiaries must utilise the loans responsibly to scale their businesses and improve income levels, adding that the zero-collateral structure removes traditional barriers to accessing credit.
On his part, the National Programme Manager of GEEP, Hamzat Ibrahim Baba, commended Akwa Ibom’s agricultural potential and ongoing investments in mechanised farming and oil palm development. He used the occasion to inaugurate FarmerMoni Desk Officers across all 31 Local Government Areas, tasking them with ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficiency in programme delivery.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Offiong Offor, reiterated the state government’s commitment to agricultural transformation through the ARISE Agenda, noting that partnerships with Federal initiatives like GEEP are critical to achieving food security and economic stability.
Providing further clarity, State Programme Manager of GEEP, James Umoh, said the sensitization campaign is aimed at increasing stakeholder participation and public awareness of the scheme, which was first introduced in 2016 as part of Nigeria’s social investment framework.
Additional insights from programme officials highlighted that the loans will support farmers in key value chains such as poultry, fishing, and crop production, with flexible repayment periods ranging from six to nine months. Beneficiaries were also encouraged to form cooperative groups to improve access and impact.
Stakeholders, including representatives of farmer associations, SDGs officials, and disability advocacy groups, emphasised the need for inclusive participation to ensure that vulnerable groups are not left out of the programme’s benefits.
Nigeria Startup News reports that the launch reinforces a broader national push to reduce poverty, support small businesses, and reposition agriculture as a viable pathway for economic growth.
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