FG unveils RH-GEEP 3.0 to empower 5m farmers, traders by 2027

The Federal Government, through the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), has officially launched the Renewed Hope Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (RH-GEEP 3.0) alongside the FarmerMoni Dry/Wet Season Programme.

Inaugurated in Abuja on Wednesday, the initiative aims to provide financial lifelines to approximately five million smallholder farmers, artisans, and traders across Nigeria.

By 2027, these micro-business owners will have access to interest-free loans of up to N300,000, specifically designed to bolster food security and stimulate grassroots economic growth.

Dr. Bernard Mohammed Doro, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, characterized the launch as a milestone for financial inclusion.

He noted that by opening doors for the underserved to access growth capital, the government is bringing the economic mainstream to those previously left behind.

The Minister further highlighted that the FarmerMoni program represents a bold step in supporting the agricultural sector through both planting cycles, ensuring that farming remains a sustainable and profitable pathway out of poverty for the nation’s rural population.

Legislative support for the initiative remains strong, as echoed by Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, Chairman of the House Committee on Humanitarian Services.

She emphasized that the legislature is working closely with the executive arm to provide the legal backing and oversight necessary to ensure that only the intended beneficiaries receive these entitlements.

This collaborative approach aims to create a transparent environment where government programs are executed with maximum efficiency and impact.

The Acting National Coordinator of NSIPA, Associate Professor Badamasi Lawal, acknowledged the vital role of partner financial institutions and local governments in ensuring the delivery of these funds.

Meanwhile, Hamza Ibrahim Baba, the National Programme Manager of GEEP, reaffirmed the agency’s resolve to scale these interventions significantly over the next few years.

He urged all beneficiaries to view these loans as a responsibility and an opportunity for growth, acting as ambassadors for the Renewed Hope vision while contributing to the nation’s journey toward inclusive development.