FG Orders Immediate Release of ₦250bn Loan to Farmers, Targets Food Security
- The Nigerian government has directed the immediate disbursement of N250 billion meant for smallholder farmers
- Vice President Kashim Shettima gave the order to the Presidential Food Coordinating Unit (PFSCU), asking it for immediate implementation
- The Vice President asked the Unit to partner with relevant agencies to disburse the loan rapidly
Pascal Oparada, a reporter for Legit.ng, has over ten years of experience covering technology, energy, stocks, investment, and the economy.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has directed the immediate implementation of the Presidential Food Coordinating Unit (PFSCU) to hasten the disbursement of the Nigerian government’s N250 billion credit support for smallholder farmers at a single-digit interest rate.
The VP asked the PFSCU to design an implementation strategy for the loan, reiterating the need to avoid delays in the disbursement and ensure that the right beneficiaries receive the funds.
Source: Getty Images
FG orders rapid loan disbursement
The Vice President gave the directive on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at the 6th meeting of the Unit’s steering committee at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Shettima urged stakeholders to design clear guidelines that ensure that funds reach the intended farmers and translate into real production and gains.
According to reports, Shettima commended President Bola Tinubu for giving the scheme political backing to act on priority reforms, especially fertiliser raw material liberation and the Presidential Seed Fund.
He said PFSCU’s work has proven that when federal ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), the private sector, and development partners align, Nigeria can move rapidly from intention to delivery.
Governors demand transparency
Shettima also asked stakeholders to deepen collaboration in reviving the seed sector and growing a strategic grain reserve via the ongoing federal reforms.
According to a report by Daily Trust, the Ekiti state governor, Biodun Oyebanji, stressed the need to establish a structure to ensure the N250 billion credit facility reaches its intended beneficiaries.
Jigawa State governor, Umar Namadi, lauded the Bank of Agriculture’s efforts but disclosed the importance of subsidies for local farmers.
Food security concerns
Earlier, the scheme’s coordinators, Marion Moon, stressed the urgency of safeguarding Nigeria’s food security gains, saying that 30.8 million Nigerians remain food insecure.
Moon said the unit had achieved a significant milestone in boosting coordination and collaboration with MDAs across all levels of government.
The scheme comes alongside other intervention programmes for Nigerians amid plans to expand the economy and empower small businesses.
FG extends support to MSMEs
A prior report by Legit.ng disclosed that Shettima unveiled the Federal Government’s state-of-the-art information, communication and technology centre for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MESME) in Cross River state.
This is part of the current administration’s drive to empower entrepreneurs with tools and skills for work.
FG gives N250,000 grants to business owners
The unveiling also coincided with the 8th Expanded National MSME Clinics, which brought together federal government agencies, such as CAC, NAFDAC, BOI, and SMEDAN, to tackle business owners’ challenges on-site.
Source: UGC
According to MSME Africa, the Vice President disclosed that each outstanding MSME at the unveiling will get an unconditional N250,000 grant, saying that the fund is not a loan but a gift to accelerate their journey.
DBN partners to provide N5m grant to business owners
Legit.ng earlier reported that small business owners in Nigeria now have another opportunity to scale their ventures, as the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) has partnered with Intermarc Consulting to launch the DBN Entrepreneurship Training Programme (ETP) 2025.
The scheme, which remains open until September 30, 2025, offers funding opportunities of up to ₦5 million, along with mentorship, training, and networking support.
This initiative aims to strengthen Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), with a special focus on entrepreneurs in Nigeria’s North-East, where businesses often struggle with access to funding and sustainable growth opportunities.
Source: Legit.ng
