President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate disbursement of ₦30 billion in outstanding payments to agro-dealers and input suppliers involved in the federal government’s National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP). The directive comes as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s food supply chain and bolster support for farmers nationwide.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by Judith Ekwebelem, External Media Relations Lead at the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), the payments are to be made following the release of funds by the African Development Bank (AfDB), marking the second tranche of financial support under the scheme.
The President’s directive also includes a significant policy shift, designating the Bank of Agriculture as the official custodian of all agricultural financing programme funds in the country. This move is seen as a major shake-up aimed at enhancing efficiency and cutting down bureaucratic delays in disbursement.
“The directive represents a turning point for Nigeria’s agricultural sector,” Ekwebelem said, noting that the BOA is now responsible for the timely and transparent payment of claims to agro-dealers, using its digital electronic wallet platform.
She added that once claims are verified, payments would be completed within 24 hours, and the bank will provide weekly updates on progress until all arrears are settled.
The ₦30 billion, according to BOA, is specifically intended to offset outstanding obligations from the 2024 dry and wet season farming programmes.
The implementation began on September 18, 2025, with the formal handover of beneficiary data to BOA by the NAGS-AP Secretariat. Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has instructed all stakeholders to treat the process with topmost priority, emphasizing the urgency of boosting agricultural productivity.
BOA Managing Director and CEO, Ayo Sotinrin, described the bank’s expanded role as “a historic responsibility,” noting that the payments represent more than financial transactions they signal the government’s firm commitment to food security and economic transformation.
“This is a defining moment for agriculture in Nigeria,” Sotinrin said. “We are removing the red tape, fast-tracking payments, and empowering agro-dealers and suppliers who play a vital role in our food system. This is how we unlock the full potential of our farmers.”
To qualify for payment, beneficiaries must meet certain conditions, most importantly, opening a BOA account, which is a mandatory step in processing claims. Registration is free and can be completed online.
Sotinrin encouraged all eligible agro-dealers and input suppliers to comply with the updated requirements promptly to avoid processing delays. He also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, AfDB, and the finance ministry for their commitment to agricultural development.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu, during a recent bilateral meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, reaffirmed his administration’s determination to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks stalling the growth of the agriculture sector. He stated that Nigeria is undergoing structural reforms aimed at making its economy globally competitive, with agriculture positioned as a key driver of food sovereignty and export potential.
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