Don’t Pay to Access Agric Loans, FG Advises Farmers

James Emejo in Abuja

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) on Saturday cautioned Nigerian farmers and associations not to pay any money to persons or group for the purpose of accessing agricultural loans.

The advice came against the backdrop of reports which quoted the APC Secretary (Bayelsa State) as alleging that fraudsters had duped unsuspecting members of the public of various sums of money with the promise to help them obtain loans from the FMARD.

The ministry, in a statement signed by Director of Information, FMARD, Mr. Tony Ohaeri maintained that the ministry had not asked any person or group of persons to open any account with either the Agricultural Development Bank or Bank of Agriculture for the purpose of obtaining loans from FMARD, nor has it asked anyone to collect money from people for the same purpose.

It therefore, urged the general public and farmers to ignore the seemingly attractive proposals from fraudulent and unpatriotic individuals who may be going around deceiving farmers and prospective farmers.

The statement further advised Nigerians to report any person or group of persons to relevant security agencies.
“The ministry reassures Nigerians that the Federal Government would continue to create the necessary conditions and environment for the development of the agricultural sector,” it added.