Agriculture remains an important sector in Nigeria, providing employment and supporting food production across the country. In 2026, farmers, young entrepreneurs and agribusiness owners can investigate several government and development-partner programmes designed to support agricultural production, farm inputs, business expansion and access to finance.
However, not every agricultural support programme is a free grant. Some provide subsidised fertiliser and seeds, while others offer loans or competitive business funding. Applicants should confirm whether applications are currently open before submitting their details.
1. Leventis Foundation Agribusiness Access to Capital Programme
The Leventis Foundation Nigeria Agribusiness Access to Capital Programme is designed to help eligible agricultural entrepreneurs access funding to start or expand their businesses.
A funding notice published in 2026 reported an application deadline of 21 October 2026 and potential funding of up to ₦5 million. Eligibility is restricted to current and former Leventis Foundation trainees, and applicants must confirm whether the support is a grant or a concessionary loan.
Who can apply?
- Current or former Leventis Foundation trainees.
- Entrepreneurs operating agricultural businesses.
- Eligible applicants seeking to expand farming, processing or other agribusiness activities.
- Applicants who can provide the required business information and supporting documents.
How to apply
Visit the official website at https://leventisfoundation.org.ng/lfnsbec2026/ and read the eligibility conditions carefully.
Important: The reported deadline is 21 October 2026. Applicants should verify that the portal is still accepting applications before applying.
2. Bank of Agriculture Farmer Financing Programme
The Bank of Agriculture (BOA) provides financing options for farmers and agricultural businesses in Nigeria. In October 2026, the bank announced a partnership with the All-Farmers Association of Nigeria to expand access to dry-season financing, targeting 400,000 farmers.
The initiative is intended to help eligible farmers access resources for agricultural production. However, this is a financing programme rather than a confirmed free cash grant.
Who can benefit?
- Smallholder farmers.
- Crop farmers preparing for dry-season cultivation.
- Farmers who need capital for inputs and production.
- Eligible agricultural cooperatives and participating farmer groups.
How to apply
Visit https://boanig.com/ or contact the Bank of Agriculture and the All-Farmers Association of Nigeria to ask about the current registration process.
Before applying, confirm the financing terms, repayment period, eligibility criteria and any required contribution.
3. NADF AgGrow Farm Support Programme
The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) operates agricultural support initiatives intended to help farmers improve production and reduce input costs.
The AgGrow Farm Support Programme focuses on crops including maize, rice, cassava and soybeans. Its announced model includes a 50% subsidy on selected farm inputs, such as improved seeds, fertilisers and crop-protection products, through approved arrangements.
Who can apply?
Potential beneficiaries include eligible smallholder farmers producing the programme’s priority crops and participating in approved arrangements with processors or other programme partners.
How to apply
Visit the official NADF website at https://nadf.gov.ng/ and check the programmes and initiatives section.
Ask whether a new application window is open in your state, which crops are eligible and whether you must register through a cooperative or approved partner.
The existence of the programme does not mean applications are open nationwide today.
4. Federal Government Farm Input Support Programme
The Federal Government has provided fertiliser and other agricultural inputs to selected smallholder farmers through targeted support initiatives.
The objective is to reduce production costs, improve crop yields and strengthen food security. Depending on the specific distribution round, assistance may involve fertiliser or other approved farm inputs rather than cash.
Who may qualify?
- Smallholder crop farmers.
- Farmers growing eligible food-security crops.
- Members of recognised agricultural cooperatives, where required.
- Farmers located in participating states or designated distribution areas.
How to access the programme
Contact your state Ministry of Agriculture, NADF or your recognised farmer association. Ask whether a new distribution round is planned and how eligible farmers can register.
Official website: https://nadf.gov.ng/
5. World Bank-Supported AGROW Project
Nigeria’s Sustainable Agricultural Value-Chains for Growth project, supported by a US$500 million World Bank IDA credit, was approved in March 2026.
The project aims to improve smallholder productivity, strengthen agricultural markets and create jobs in value chains such as rice, maize, cassava and soybeans.
A component of the project is designed to support eligible agribusinesses through a results-based matching-grant facility. Potential activities may include produce aggregation, storage, post-harvest handling and processing.
Who may benefit?
- Agricultural processing companies.
- Produce aggregators.
- Businesses supporting smallholder farmers.
- Eligible enterprises investing in storage and market access.
- Agribusinesses meeting the programme’s matching-grant requirements.
How to apply
Read the official project announcement at https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2026/03/31/nigeria-world-bank-approves-project-to-expand-agricultural-value-chains-and-jobs.
Applicants should monitor the relevant Nigerian implementing agencies for an official call for proposals. Project approval does not automatically mean that a public application portal is open.
6. Lagos Agrithon 2026
Lagos State announced Lagos Agrithon 2026, a competitive initiative supporting innovative businesses in the food and agricultural sector. The announced programme allocation was ₦200 million.
It was designed to encourage entrepreneurs developing solutions in farming, food processing, distribution, agricultural technology and other parts of the food value chain.
However, the published application period ran from 19 June to 19 July 2026. That deadline has passed as of October 2026.
Entrepreneurs in Lagos can monitor future editions at https://www.lagosagrinnovation.com/agrithon.
Documents Required for Agricultural Funding
The documents required depend on the programme. Applicants may need:
- A valid means of identification.
- Evidence of farming activity or agribusiness ownership.
- Farm location, size and production details.
- A business plan and proposed budget.
- Bank account details submitted through the authorised process.
- Cooperative membership or business registration, where applicable.
- Evidence of relevant training for programmes with specific eligibility requirements.
Always follow the official application guidelines rather than assuming every programme requires the same documents.
How to Apply for Agricultural Grants in Nigeria
First, identify the type of assistance you need. A smallholder farmer seeking fertiliser may be better suited to an input subsidy, while an established processing company may qualify for a matching-grant programme.
Next, visit the official website of the agency responsible for the opportunity. Confirm the application deadline, eligibility criteria, required documents and whether the support is a grant or a loan.
Prepare your farm records and budget before submitting an application. Keep your confirmation details and avoid paying unofficial agents who promise guaranteed approval.
Beware of Fake Agricultural Grant Offers
Farmers should be cautious about social media posts advertising instant government grants. Some programmes are restricted to particular states, farmer groups or business categories, while others have already closed.
Never share your banking PIN, password or one-time verification code with anyone claiming to process a grant. Confirm application fees or beneficiary contributions directly with the responsible agency before making any payment.
Conclusion
Several agricultural support initiatives are relevant to farmers and agribusiness owners in Nigeria in 2026. These include the Leventis Foundation Agribusiness Access to Capital Programme, Bank of Agriculture financing, NADF AgGrow, targeted farm-input support and the World Bank-supported AGROW project.
However, programme announcements do not guarantee that applications are open at all times. The best approach is to verify the current application window and eligibility requirements through the official programme administrator before submitting personal information.
Farmers should select opportunities that match their location, farming activity and funding needs, while carefully distinguishing free grants from subsidised inputs and repayable loans.
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