The Niger State Government states that it will soon finalise the modalities for establishing a state cooperative bank for agriculture, enabling smallholder farmers to access soft loans quickly and easily for agricultural purposes.

Governor Umaru Bago revealed this during the flag-off of the federal government’s free distribution of various agricultural inputs to smallholder farmers’ associations for year-round farming in the state, held on Friday, 12th September, 2025, in Minna.

He said, “The bank will operate as a microfinance bank to provide loans to agriculture cooperatives to reduce the high interest rates charged by commercial banks and the rigorous processes involved.”

The governor explained that the state government will provide N2 billion as seed capital for the bank’s take-off and encouraged agricultural cooperatives to open an account with the bank when it is time to access soft loans.

Bago had hinted that the idea is part of the agricultural revolution policy of his administration, which he said will create jobs and increase the yield and financial status of the people.

He pointed out that relevant stakeholders from the federal government and the private sector will be involved to ensure the initiative’s success.

The governor further revealed that the state government will launch a pilot scheme in 2026 for 2 million women in agriculture, providing them with goats, sheep, birds, and seedlings of crops, as well as other inputs and extension services to boost agricultural development in the state.