The Program Manager of the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), Mr. Hamza Baba, has paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, to discuss the seamless integration of GEEP 2.0/3.0 frameworks, notably FarmerMoni, TraderMoni and MarketMoni, into the national economic recovery plan.
During the meeting, Mr. Baba commended the Ministry of Finance for its clear policy direction on the release and management of funds for social interventions. He said the collaboration is key to ensuring that microcredit schemes reach Nigerians at the grassroots level.
“For the Ministry of Finance, the goal is clear: ensure every naira earmarked for social intervention is disbursed with transparency and reaches the grassroots where it can catalyse real growth,” Mr. Baba said. “By empowering our smallholder farmers and petty traders with interest-free capital, we are not only providing a safety net, we are fuelling the engine of Nigeria’s economy.”
Key outcomes and focus areas were highlighted at the meeting. On funding and optimisation, both parties discussed securing sustainable funding and optimising resource allocation to scale up GEEP 3.0’s microcredit initiatives, TraderMoni, MarketMoni and FarmerMoni, to reach millions of beneficiaries across the country.
On transparency and accountability, the two offices agreed on strengthened governance mechanisms to ensure transparent use of funds, accurate reporting and consistent enforcement of repayment obligations. This, they noted, is necessary to rebuild trust and ensure the long-term sustainability of the programme.
The meeting also focused on partnerships and digital inclusion. Both sides stressed the need to deepen partnerships with commercial banks, microfinance institutions, fintech providers and civil society organisations to enhance digital delivery, expand financial inclusion and streamline beneficiary enrollment, disbursement and recovery processes.
Improved operational coordination was another priority. Participants identified better inter-agency coordination and the use of technology as critical steps to accelerate implementation, reduce leakages and improve the overall beneficiary experience.
Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to sound public financial management and to supporting reform measures that ensure social investment funds are disbursed efficiently and responsibly.
The Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) is a flagship component of NSIPA, providing interest-free microcredit and business support to traders, market women, artisans and smallholder farmers to boost livelihoods and contribute to inclusive economic growth.
No discussions were held regarding NPower during the meeting, as both parties focused strictly on the integration and implementation of GEEP 2.0/3.0 frameworks, including FarmerMoni, TraderMoni and MarketMoni, within the national economic recovery plan.
