The Federal Government introduced collateral-free loans to help smallholder farmers increase production. Officials opened the FarmerMoni portal under the Renewed Hope Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme in February 2026.
National Programme Manager for the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme Hamza Ibrahim Baba announced the launch on February 11 in Abuja. He confirmed that the scheme targeted more than 22,000 farmers nationwide.
Loans Provide Up to 300000 Naira Without Interest or Collateral
The programme gave each eligible farmer up to 300000 naira. Moreover, farmers received the funds interest-free and without any collateral requirement.Baba explained the benefits at the inauguration. “These loans are interest-free and collateral-free,” he stated. “The total sum per beneficiary is N300,000 and we arrive at this by looking at the economic realities of various farming activities.”
Additionally, the loans included a three-month moratorium before a six-month repayment period started.
Scheme Targets Active Farmers for Food Security
Furthermore, the initiative aimed to boost agricultural output and strengthen food security across Nigeria. It focused on vulnerable low-income farmers already engaged in crop, poultry, aquaculture or livestock production.
The government designed the loans to help participants buy seeds, fertilisers and equipment. As a result, rural incomes rose and communities gained better access to inputs.
Eligibility Requires Citizenship and Cooperative Membership
Officials set clear rules for applicants. Farmers needed to be Nigerian citizens over 18 years old and actively involved in farming. They also required valid National Identification Numbers and Bank Verification Numbers.
In addition, participants had to own or rent farmland and belong to a registered farming cooperative in their local government area. The scheme excluded new entrants to agriculture.
Farmers Apply Online or at Local Offices
The authorities opened registration through the official portal at geep.nsipa.gov.ng. Eligible farmers submitted personal details, farming type and identification documents online.
Meanwhile, those without internet access visited National Orientation Agency offices or GEEP desks at local government secretariats. Registration remained free and officials warned against any payments to middlemen.
Disbursements Start Nationwide After Verification
The Federal Government began to disburse funds in states such as Plateau. Minister of State for Finance Doris Uzoka-Anite assured quick and transparent distribution.She met with Baba to coordinate the process. “Our priority at the Ministry of Finance is ensuring that these loans reach smallholder farmers,” she posted on her official platform.
Baba urged all eligible farmers to register promptly. The portal stayed open for additional applications in every local government area.
