As women across the globe mark International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026, the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) has showcased its contributions to gender inclusion, by disbursing over ₦8 billion in loans to female farmers and entrepreneurs through its various empowerment schemes.
In a statement to commemorate the day, the bank aligned its activities with the global campaign theme “Give to Gain” and the United Nations’ broader call for “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.”
The bank’s Managing Director, Ayo Sotinrin, described the support for women not as charity, but as a high-impact economic strategy that directly contributes to national food security.
“Empowering a woman is one of the most strategic investments we can make in Nigeria’s economy. When we give our resources, mentorship, and trust to women, we gain a multiplier effect of productivity that uplifts households, strengthens communities, and advances national food security,” Sotinrin stated
According to a statement signed by the bank’s Team Lead, Corporate Communication, Ruth Didam, the BOA’s efforts are in direct support of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, which prioritises agriculture and inclusive economic growth.
The bank highlighted that its accessible financial windows, including the Grow and Earn More (GEM) scheme and the Micro Agric Loan—have successfully reached women at the grassroots level.
Beneficiaries
They include the Unity Farmers Group (maize production) and Araokanmi Farmers Group (gari processing) in the South West; Uyanwanne MPCS (cassava) and Chianyinadindu Women Group (vegetable farming) in the South East; as well as the Badna Women MPCS and Gbagyi Women MPCS engaged in mixed farming in the North West.
Moving beyond traditional credit, the BOA disclosed that it recently facilitated the acquisition of subsidised tractors for Women Mechanisation Service Providers across the country.
The initiative is designed to close the gender gap in access to modern farming equipment, positioning women as key drivers of mechanized agriculture in their communities.
The bank called on government, private sector, and civil society to use the occasion of International Women’s Day to move beyond rhetoric and take deliberate action to invest in Nigerian women.
“When women thrive, Nigeria thrives,” the statement concluded.