The Niger State Government says it will establish a cooperative bank dedicated to agriculture to make it easier for smallholder farmers to access soft loans.
Governor Umaru Bago announced the plan on Friday, September 12, 2025, in Minna during the launch of the Federal Government’s free distribution of agricultural inputs to farmers’ associations for all-season farming.
The governor explained that the planned bank would operate as a microfinance institution, offering affordable loans to agricultural cooperatives while removing the cumbersome procedures and high-interest charges typical of commercial banks.
“The bank will operate as a microfinance bank to provide loans to agricultural cooperatives to reduce the high interest rates charged by commercial banks and the rigorous processes involved,” Bago said.
He further revealed that the state government would provide ₦2 billion as seed capital for the bank’s take-off and encouraged agricultural cooperatives to open accounts with the institution once it becomes operational.
Bago stressed that the initiative aligns with his administration’s agricultural revolution agenda, which seeks to create jobs, boost food production, and improve the livelihoods of farmers across the state.
He noted that the initiative would involve active collaboration with key stakeholders from both the Federal Government and the private sector to guarantee its success.
The governor further revealed that a pilot programme would be launched in 2026 to support two million women in agriculture.
Media reports revealed that under the scheme, participants will receive livestock such as goats, sheep, and poultry, along with crop seedlings and extension services, to boost productivity and improve farming outcomes across the state.
