The Kebbi Government has  inaugurated committees in each of its 21 local government councils to ensure prudent management of the N1 billion loan obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the CBN in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture granted the loan to boost food production in the state.

The Deputy Governor of the state,  Alhaji Ibrahim Aliyu, who inaugurated the committees in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday, said the local councils would receive the loan from a commercial bank.
Aliyu also said that the amount to be disbursed would be determined by the number of qualified beneficiaries from each local government area.

He said that the new loan scheme was established to promote commercial agricultural enterprises and development, and to fast track the upgrading of the agricultural sector.
“The loan will be disbursed through issuance of credit facilities at single digit interest rate to commercial farmers,” the deputy governor said.

He said that sole administrators in each of the local councils would serve as chairmen of the committees, while the directors of agricultures in the councils would serve as secretaries.
Aliyu gave the assurance that the state government would ensure strict monitoring of the utilisation of the loan to ensure that beneficiaries kept to the conditions.

He said that the programme was aimed at increasing agricultural output and food security, create employment, empower the rural populace, diversify revenue and increase foreign exchange.
Aliyu expressed optimism that the loan would enhance the value of target areas, such as livestock, poultry and fisheries.

He also said, “The programme will also be administered along with entire value chain of production target, processing, marketing and enterprising development of the state.” 
The deputy governor said that beneficiaries had two years to repay the loan.

He said that applications for obtaining the facility would be provided free of charge by a commercial bank, which would equally serve as the paying bank.
Aliyu who promised that the state government “would ensure that the bank adhered to the stipulated rules governing the loan.
He, however, appealed to beneficiaries to make judicious use of the loan and ensure prompt repayment to enable others benefit.