Interest-free Loans, Mechanised Farming Centres Coming — Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has announced plans by his administration to introduce interest-free loans for small-scale farmers and establish mechanised farming service centres across the country’s six geopolitical zones as part of efforts to boost agricultural productivity and reduce food prices.

The President made the announcement on Tuesday while addressing supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the party’s presidential campaign rally in Jigawa State.

Tinubu said his administration was determined to strengthen food security through increased investment in agriculture, mechanisation, irrigation and support for smallholder farmers.

“We will subsidize farming. We will reward small-scale farmers. Interest-free loan for farmers is coming. Prosperity is coming,” the President declared.

He assured farmers in Jigawa and across the country that the proposed intervention would improve access to agricultural financing and enhance food production.

“There will be interest-free loan for small-scale farmers. We are going to install mechanized farming service center in six geopolitical locations,” Tinubu said.

The President also disclosed plans to strengthen agricultural research and development through universities, stressing that Nigeria possesses sufficient arable land and human resources to achieve food self-sufficiency.

“We have the arable land. We have the commitment. We have the people. We can feed ourselves and we will bring the food prices down to the minimum,” he assured.

Tinubu said his administration would prioritise agricultural mechanisation, irrigation and improved utilisation of arable land to increase productivity and make food more affordable for Nigerians.

The President also dismissed suggestions that his administration would reverse the removal of fuel subsidy, insisting that the policy was necessary to free up resources for critical investments in education, agriculture and infrastructure.

“To those who say subsidy is coming back, it’s a lie. Don’t let them lie to you again. It’s not going to come back,” he declared.

According to him, restoring the subsidy would undermine the government’s ability to finance development projects and invest in future generations.

“We cannot spend the future of our children today and feel that they will owe tomorrow. No. They have to be in school. We have to invest in their education. We have to invest in agriculture,” Tinubu said.

He maintained that the resources available to the government must be channelled towards programmes capable of improving living standards and creating sustainable economic opportunities.

Speaking on infrastructure development, the President said his administration remained committed to road construction and rehabilitation across the country, assuring Nigerians that no geopolitical zone would be neglected.

Tinubu also praised Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, for his performance in office, particularly his investments in youth development and other initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of residents.

He urged the people of the state to support Namadi’s bid for a second term, describing him as a hardworking governor committed to delivering democratic dividends.

The President further reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity, strengthening the armed forces and improving the welfare of security personnel.

He called on Nigerians to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely information on threats within their communities.

“We will conquer insecurity. We’ve been through many wars. We will defeat our enemies, enemies of unity, enemies of stability, enemies of peace,” Tinubu assured.

At the rally, the President also presented the APC manifesto, outlining commitments to healthcare, education, reliable electricity, affordable housing, job creation and economic prosperity.

He said the party’s development agenda would focus on improving the quality of life of Nigerians while creating opportunities for businesses and young people across the country.