The Lagos State Government has commenced the enumeration of farmers seeking access to interest-free and collateral-free loans under the Federal Government’s FarmerMoni programme.
The initiative is designed to help eligible small-scale farmers expand their businesses, improve agricultural productivity and strengthen food security.
According to The PUNCH, the programme is being implemented through the Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment in collaboration with the National Social Investment Programme Agency.
FG targets vulnerable farmers
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the National Programme Manager of the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme, Hamza Baba, said the Federal Government had provided funds to support farmers who lacked access to conventional financing.
He explained that the intervention was particularly intended for vulnerable farmers seeking to expand existing agricultural activities.
Eligible beneficiaries will not be required to provide collateral under the scheme.
Baba also commended agricultural development in Lagos, noting that farming activities in areas such as Ikorodu demonstrated the state’s agricultural potential.
Lagos highlights importance of agriculture
The Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, said limited access to finance remained a major challenge for small-scale agricultural businesses.
Represented by the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Kudirat Bello, the commissioner explained that improved financing could help farmers increase production and strengthen their livelihoods.
The ministry also identified agriculture as an important contributor to employment and economic development.
Officials urge responsible use of loans
The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Lolade Aina, represented by Oluyemisi Adeniyi, urged prospective beneficiaries to make productive use of the opportunity.
The ceremony included the symbolic presentation of work tools and training for Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme desk officers from Lagos’ 20 local government areas.
The exercise is expected to improve coordination of the programme across the state.
How farmers can participate
The government has begun enumerating potential beneficiaries as part of the programme’s implementation.
However, the available announcement did not specify the maximum loan amount for each beneficiary, a public application website or a closing date.
Interested farmers should obtain information from authorised programme officials rather than pay unauthorised agents promising guaranteed approval.
The government maintained that the initiative would support agricultural enterprises and contribute to efforts to improve food production across Lagos.
