This post has already been read at least 117 times!

The National Programme Manager of the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), Mr. Hamza Ibrahim Baba, has engaged with market women and traders in Kano State as part of preparations for the relaunch of GEEP 3.0 under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

During his visit to the historic Rimi Market, Mr. Baba met directly with traders and market women who had previously benefited from the TraderMonie and MarketMonie loan schemes under GEEP 1.0 and 2.0.

According to a statement signed by Attari M. Hope, Head of Communications and PR, NSIPA, he assured them of the National Social Investment Programme Agency’s (NSIPA) commitment to identifying genuine smallholder traders while collaborating with market leaders to ensure transparent beneficiary verification and smooth loan repayment processes.

The engagement extended to a meeting with the Amalgamated Traders Association of Kano State, the umbrella body representing more than 80 market associations, where Mr. Baba sought their cooperation and support for the upcoming relaunch of GEEP 3.0.

He also visited the Dawanau Market Development Association, interacting with grain retailers, vegetable sellers, and women dealing in perishable produce.

Addressing beneficiaries and market leaders, Mr. Baba reaffirmed the administration’s determination to support petty traders and small-scale entrepreneurs through the restructured GEEP programme.

He noted the optimism among Kano’s market women, stating: “I am very encouraged to see that our market women still have hope in the GEEP programmes. We are committed to ensuring GEEP 3.0 is a success and to sustaining their aspirations through targeted support.”

Market leaders and beneficiaries welcomed the initiative, praising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the National Programme Manager for reviving the social investment schemes and prioritizing grassroots traders. They described the programme as a timely intervention that would strengthen livelihoods and uplift vulnerable Nigerians.

Explaining the broader vision, Mr. Baba highlighted that GEEP is a flagship programme under NSIPA designed to drive financial inclusion and provide business support to petty traders, artisans, and small-scale entrepreneurs across the country.

He stressed that the GEEP initiative is integral to the Renewed Hope agenda, which is focused on creating opportunities, building resilience, and improving the livelihoods of vulnerable but productive citizens.

The visit to Kano is part of a wider strategy to deepen stakeholder engagement, build confidence among traders, and secure grassroots participation in the nationwide rollout of GEEP 3.0.

This post has already been read at least 117 times!