Bank of Agriculture Invests Over N8bn in Women Farmers, Key to Nigeria’s Economic Renewal

The Bank of Agriculture (BOA) has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering Nigerian women, describing them as central to the country’s economic recovery and agricultural transformation.

Managing Director of the Bank, Ayo Sotinrin, made this known in Abuja while marking the 2026 International Women’s Day. In a statement issued by the Team Lead of the Corporate Communications Department, Ruth Didam, Sotinrin stressed that Nigeria’s economic renewal depends significantly on the active participation and empowerment of women.

He explained that the Bank is championing women’s economic inclusion in line with the global campaign theme, “Give to Gain,” and the United Nations’ call for rights, justice and action for women and girls.

According to him, meaningful national development cannot be achieved without the full participation of Nigerian women. He therefore called on stakeholders across government institutions and the private sector to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete actions to support women.

“Empowering a woman is not just philanthropy; it is one of the most strategic investments in Nigeria’s economy,” he said. “When we give women resources, mentorship and trust, the result is a multiplier effect that boosts productivity, strengthens communities and enhances national food security.”

Sotinrin noted that the Bank’s initiatives align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which prioritises agriculture, food security and inclusive economic growth.

He disclosed that the Bank has disbursed over N8 billion to women nationwide through several financing windows, including the Grow and Earn More scheme, Micro Agric Loan and Micro Non-Agric Loan programmes. These facilities are designed to support both individual female entrepreneurs and organised women’s groups involved in agriculture and agribusiness.

The BOA boss said the funding has helped women expand production, grow their businesses, diversify livelihoods and strengthen household incomes.

He cited several projects benefiting from the initiative, including maize production by Unity Farmers Group 7 in the South-West, cassava and vegetable farming by women groups in the South-East, poultry production by cooperatives in the South-South, and gari processing and groundnut cake production by women enterprises in the North-Central.

Other beneficiaries include women-led agricultural groups in the North-East and North-West engaged in poultry, livestock fattening and crop farming.

Sotinrin also revealed that the Bank recently facilitated the distribution of subsidised tractors to women mechanisation service providers nationwide, describing the move as a major step toward expanding mechanised agriculture and closing the gender gap in access to modern farming equipment.

He urged government, private sector actors and civil society organisations to continue investing in women, mechanising their farms and supporting the next generation of female leaders.

Sotinrin added that efforts such as the national nutrition and welfare programmes championed by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu will further contribute to building a healthier and more prosperous Nigeria.