Economy
FG Unveils N5bn Loan Facility for Livestock Farmers
By Adedapo Adesanya
The federal government has unveiled a N5 billion loan facility to the Bank of Agriculture (BoA) for livestock farmers across the country.
This was announced by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar, who revealed that the loan facility would ensure more access at reasonable interest rates for farmers to expand their business and attract potential Investors into the Livestock Value Chain.
Speaking during a media briefing at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Abuja recently, the Minister said that the present administration was committed to reforming the livestock sector with notable programmes like the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) and Livestock Productivity Resilience and Support Plan (LPRESP), among others.
He pointed out that the “crop sub-sector has always gotten more attention because it comes with food security, but nutrition security is the other nutrient that would complement the grains; otherwise, you will have a different kind of growth.”
Mr Abubakar revealed that “the N5 billion in the Bank of Agriculture loan was part of recapitalization that would be given out to livestock herders. The bank is being recapitalized, and so more money will be coming to the bank.”
He noted that the scheme would bring more stability to develop the livestock sector and improve security and harmonious existence between farmers and herders.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture, Mr Alwan Ali Hassan, explained that, “The federal government has recapitalized the Bank of Agriculture, we have received some funds, and one of the mandates of the bank is financing the agric value chain completely.”
Mr Hassan pointed out, “The modality in giving out the loan is going to be exactly as enshrined in loan conditions. We have set rules for giving out loans which are governed by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, regulations and also regulated by the bank and financial institutions body.”
He added that “For the interest rate, depending on which value chain you are taking. Our rates start from nine per cent up to 15 per cent, depending on which value chain you are taking. That means it depends on the risk factor of the business you are going into.’’
On whether individual farmers who are not registered members of associations could apply for the loan, the Managing Director answered in the affirmative, stating, “In fact, we do not intend to give loan to the association; we are giving their members. All that the association has to do is to introduce their members.’’
Reacting to this development, the National President of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN), Mr Baba Usman Ngelzarma, lauded the federal government for the loan facility as an important intervention for the livestock value chain.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The pre-registration training and examination for capital market operators (CMOs) for the second quarter of 2026 has been postponed.
Business Post gathered that the new date for the exercise is now Monday, June 15, 2026.
This information was disclosed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) through a circular on Monday, June 8, 2026.
The Nigerian capital market regulator stated that this postponement has also resulted in the extension of the deadline for registration to Friday, June 12, 2026.
In the notice today, the SEC expressed its regret for the inconvenience this action may cause operators, who had prepared for the initial date of the training and examination.
“Further to the recent circular on Q2 2026 Pre-registration Training and Examination, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) hereby informs all eligible applicants for the Q2 2026 Pre-registration Training and Examination that the commencement date has been postponed to Monday, June 15, 2026.
“Registration on the designated portal has also been extended to Friday, June 12, 2026. All other conditions contained in the circular remain unchanged.
“The commission regrets any inconvenience this postponement may cause and appreciates the understanding of all applicants,” the disclosure noted.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
One of the leading healthcare firms in Nigeria, Fidson Healthcare Plc, has listed additional shares on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited.
The new stocks absorbed into the stock market were 600 million units, raising the total issued and fully paid-up shares of Fidson to 3,000,000,000 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each from 2,400,000,000 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each.
The fresh equities came from the company’s rights issue of 600,000,000 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each at N35.00 per share.
They were issued to existing investors on the basis of one new ordinary share for every existing four ordinary shares held as of the close of business on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
Confirming the development, the regulator in a notice said, “Trading licence holders are hereby notified that an additional 600,000,000 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each of Fidson Healthcare Plc were on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, listed on the daily official list of Nigerian Exchange Limited.
“The additional shares arose from the company’s rights issue of 600,000,000 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each at N35.00 per share on the basis of one new ordinary share for every existing four ordinary shares held as at the close of business on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
“With the listing of the additional 600,000,000 ordinary shares, the total issued and fully paid-up shares of Fidson Healthcare Plc have now increased from 2,400,000,000 to 3,000,000,000 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each.”
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
This news will surely excite local contractors with verified claims of N100 million or less, as the federal government has approved their payments.
This approval for the disbursement was given by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Taiwo Oyedele.
This followed a verification and reconciliation exercise designed to ensure only validated claims qualify for payment.
The beneficiaries cover contractors across multiple ministries, departments and agencies. The release of the funds is expected to enable contractors to return to project sites, pay workers, settle suppliers and meet outstanding financial commitments.
In an announcement on Monday, the Federal Ministry of Finance also said this latest batch of payments would ease liquidity pressure on small businesses and accelerate economic activity nationwide.
It was noted that the payments for verified claims of N100 million below were strategically done to spread economic impact broadly rather than concentrate disbursements among a handful of large firms.
The payments form part of a broader push to clear inherited contractor obligations, with over N700 billion verified in recent months.
“For many beneficiaries, the release of funds represents more than a financial transaction. It provides the certainty needed to sustain operations, preserve jobs, complete ongoing projects, and contribute to economic recovery and growth,” the ministry said in a statement.
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