By Carol Williams
The Federal Government has officially launched the Renewed Hope Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) to provide financial support to smallholder farmers, traders, and vulnerable entrepreneurs across Nigeria.
Speaking at the launch in Abuja, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Benard Doro, described the initiative as a strategic intervention aimed at reducing poverty and improving livelihoods, particularly in agriculture and food security.
He said every loan disbursed under the programme represents a step toward lifting Nigerians out of poverty and strengthening economic resilience.
Dr. Doro emphasized that the present administration remains committed to empowering rural farmers and small-scale business owners as part of efforts to drive inclusive growth and national development.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman, highlighted the central role of women in agriculture, noting that women make up a significant portion of Nigeria’s farming population.
She stressed that empowering women economically would have a multiplier effect on food security and economic stability.
The National Programme Manager of GEEP, Hamza Ibrahim, disclosed that the pilot phase of the programme targets over 200,000 farmers nationwide.
He urged eligible beneficiaries, particularly vulnerable rural farmers, to register through the official portal to access the scheme.
Under the initiative, Farmer Moni beneficiaries receive ₦300,000, while Trader Moni and Market Moni beneficiaries are eligible for ₦100,000 to support small-scale businesses, artisans, and petty traders.
The GEEP initiative is a component of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) and aligns with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The launch was held under the theme, “Grassroots Impact for National Growth.”
