FG to Disburse Interest-Free Loans to Farmers, Traders by 2025

The Federal Government says it will begin giving out interest-free loans of up to ₦100,000 to small farmers and petty traders before the end of 2025.

According to Hamza Ibrahim Baba, head of the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), the scheme will support people in poultry, fishery, livestock, crop farming, and small-scale businesses. Beneficiaries will also get a six-month grace period before repayment starts.

Baba explained that the loans are not grants but are designed to help struggling Nigerians expand their businesses, create jobs, and gain access to the financial system.

GEEP runs three categories, including TraderMoni for petty traders, MarketMoni for women in business, and FarmerMoni for smallholder farmers. Loan packages range from ₦5,000 to ₦100,000.

He added that strict monitoring would ensure the money reaches genuine beneficiaries, while wider rollout is expected in 2026.