FG disburses cash to civil servants to boost agric development

The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), took a significant step on Thursday by disbursing funds to deserving civil servants. This initiative aims to bolster the development of agriculture and enhance food security in the country.

Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, spoke during the symbolic presentation of cheques for a credit facility totalling N2.3 million to four beneficiaries from the first batch of the Agripreneurship Training Scheme under her office’s auspices.

She revealed that 87 officers participated in the initial training conducted in March 2023, with a second batch of 98 participants commencing training on November 20, 2023. Yemi-Esan assured workers that her office remains dedicated to the effective implementation of the Scheme.

The Agripreneurship Scheme aligns with the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021 to 2025, specifically focusing on the value proposition to enhance civil servants’ welfare and well-being for high-impact performance. It also corresponds with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration, concentrating on boosting agriculture to achieve food security.

The program, part of the Federal Public Service Entrepreneurship (FPSEP) Programme, offers civil servants a supplementary income window, aids retirees in transitioning post-service, and contributes to the development of various sectors of the economy, thereby increasing the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

This initiative operates under a tripartite arrangement involving the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, the Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN), and the Bank of Agriculture. Their roles and responsibilities are clearly outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding to ensure the effective implementation of the scheme.

The Head of Service coordinates the program, PSIN handles theoretical components, and the Bank of Agriculture provides credit facilities to eligible participants for business startup after training. A team of resource persons developed the curriculum.

The first batch underwent a two-week intensive theoretical training at PSIN, exposing them to various aspects of the agriculture value chain. They also participated in structured hands-on training at selected farms within Abuja, aligning with their chosen areas of business interest.

The timing of this training coincides with the nation’s pursuit of food sufficiency through diversification into agricultural production.

Alwan Ali Hassan, the Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture, emphasized that the credit facility offers a single-digit interest rate of 9 percent, with loan repayment linked to participants’ salaries. He commended the Head of Service for the initiative, urging civil servants to engage in agricultural business as a fallback option in retirement.

Mrs Eunice Tinko, one of the scheme’s beneficiaries, assured the Head of Service that the disbursed funds would be judiciously utilized in line with the government’s vision to ensure food security in the country.