News
FG Rolls Out Interest-free Loans to Support Small Businesses and Farmers
Nigerians running small businesses and farms have been handed fresh relief as the Federal Government announced a new round of interest-free loans under the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP). The scheme is designed to give small traders, women in business, and farmers the financial support they need without the usual stress of collateral or high interest.
According to officials, beneficiaries will be able to access loans ranging from as little as ₦5,000 to as much as ₦100,000, depending on their line of work. The loans come with a six-month grace period before repayment starts, giving recipients time to put the money to work and make returns before paying back.
The initiative is broken down into three categories: TraderMoni for young and small petty traders, MarketMoni for women entrepreneurs and market women, and FarmerMoni which will support those in farming, poultry, livestock and aquaculture. The first phase of this rollout will focus on smallholder farmers before extending to other groups.
For many Nigerians, especially those at the bottom of the economic ladder, accessing bank loans has always been a struggle because of strict requirements and high interest rates. This programme takes away that barrier by offering loans with no collateral and no interest. By doing so, the government hopes to lift millions into financial stability and help them grow sustainable businesses.
The government says the programme will be closely monitored to avoid abuse. Traders’ associations, local cooperatives, and community desk officers will play a key role in identifying real beneficiaries across the 774 local government areas.
News
‘He Was a Giant’ — President Tinubu Mourns Veteran Actor Olu Jacobs
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid tribute to late Nigerian actor Olu Jacobs, recalling his contributions to the creative industry and his impact on Nigeria’s cultural identity.
In his tribute, Tinubu described Jacobs as a giant of the Nigerian creative industry and said “He was a giant of the Nigerian creative industry. His passing is a great loss to Nigeria, the African film industry and the global community of lovers of the performing arts. His remarkable body of work will continue to speak to generations yet unborn.
“The nation recognises the enormous contributions of Nigeria’s creative practitioners to the country’s cultural identity, global image and economic development. Olu Jacobs played a big role in creating this identity.”
News
Deji Adeyanju Demands Action From Tinubu Over Counterfeit Products
Human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency over the proliferation of counterfeit and substandard drugs and consumer products in Nigeria.
Adeyanju also called for the removal of the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, as well as the heads of other regulatory agencies, including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).
“Nigerians are being exposed to dangerous products daily, from fake and substandard medicines to unsafe consumer goods, with reports of drugs being sold wholesale in the open under the hot sun. No responsible government should expose its citizens to such risks and expect mortality rates not to rise.”
Adeyanju also called out NAFDAC over what he described as failures in regulating the circulation of counterfeit and substandard products in the country.
It can be noted that various counterfeit products continue to circulate in Nigerian markets, while NAFDAC has also reported seizures and destruction of counterfeit, expired and substandard products.
News
‘Two Hours on the Road’ — Lagosians Groan Over Kara Bridge Traffic
Lagosians have lamented heavy traffic caused by ongoing construction work at Kara Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The Federal Government announced that repairs on the damaged expansion joints at Kara Bridge would begin on September 8, 2026. The project, initially scheduled to begin in August, was delayed to allow further traffic management planning due to concerns over its impact on motorists.
Since work began, traffic around the Kara area has become heavy, with Lagosians sharing updates on social media about spending two hours or more on the road.
Some commuters say the delays have made their 9-to-5 routines difficult, with several hours spent travelling to and from work.
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