1,500 Farmers Set to Benefit from NADF’s N1.5bn Agric Scheme

The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has launched a N1.5bn pilot programme in partnership with Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN) and Nova Merchant Bank to boost food production by supporting 1,500 smallholder farmers in Kaduna State.

The initiative, flagged off at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, is the first deployment under NADF’s National Agricultural Development Programme (NADP-1), which aims to provide access to affordable finance, quality inputs, and market linkages for farmers.

NADF’s Executive Secretary, Mohammed Ibrahim said, “This is a major milestone in the activities of the NADF as we formally launch the National Agricultural Development Programme, NADP-1. The NADP-1 is the flagship initiative of the NADF and it is focused on unlocking finance and market access for smallholder farmers.”

He stated that the scheme aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. “The programme supports national goals—food security, rural development, poverty reduction, job creation and economic diversification across the agricultural sector,” Ibrahim stated.

FMN Agro, the implementing partner for the pilot phase, will focus on maize production in Kaduna, a state that contributes 20% of Nigeria’s maize output. “A factory without a farm is scrap metal, and a farm without a factory is just wheat,” said Dr. Sadiq Usman, Managing Director of FMN Agro.

“Kaduna is a perfect ground for demonstrating how better seeds, nutrition, and agronomy practices can boost yields.”

Usman added, “Every farmer needs to get these three critical elements to be productive, profitable and resilient – seed, fertiliser, and extension services.”

Representing NOVA Bank, Uzoma Ayonmike, Group Head of Corporate Banking, said the project reflects the bank’s commitment to national development.

“Agriculture is a cornerstone of national growth. We are proud to be the first financial institution to disburse under the NADF pilot phase.”

“This partnership is not just a transaction. It is a step toward food security, economic inclusion, and sustainable national progress,” she added.

Nova Bank’s Head of Value Chain Banking, Esosa Igbineweka, explained that FMN Agro was selected after rigorous vetting.

“NADF cannot lend directly to farmers, so we ensure any intermediary meets strict risk and performance criteria. FMN Agro has proven capacity and a strong record in engaging smallholder farmers,” he said.

The scheme is set to cultivate 1,500 hectares of farmland.

According to NADF’s Head of Investment, Olalekan Alabi, “The target is 1,500 farmers, with plans to scale up to 10,000 before the end of this wet season.”

He added, “This isn’t just a one-time project. It’s the beginning of a long-term drive to improve food security through sustained investment in smallholder farmers.”