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The National Programme Manager of the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), Mr. Hamza Ibrahim Baba, has intensified grassroots engagement with traders in Kano State as preparations for the relaunch of GEEP 3.0 under the Renewed Hope agenda gather momentum.

During a visit to Rimi Market, one of the oldest commercial hubs in Kano, Mr. Baba met with traders and market women who had benefited from the TraderMonie and MarketMonie schemes during GEEP 1.0 and 2.0.

According to a statement signed by Attari M. Hope, Head of Communications and PR, NSIPA, he also held discussions with the leadership of the Traders Association, reassuring them of the National Social Investment Programme Agency’s (NSIPA) determination to identify authentic smallholder traders, collaborate with market leaders for proper verification of beneficiaries, and encourage effective loan repayment structures.

Mr. Baba further addressed the Amalgamated Traders Association of Kano State, which brings together more than 80 market associations, and urged them to rally behind the relaunch of Renewed Hope GEEP 3.0. His engagement continued at the Dawanau Market Development Association, where he interacted with grain sellers, vegetable retailers, and women involved in perishable goods trading.

Speaking to the beneficiaries and leaders, Mr. Baba emphasized the administration’s resolve to sustain support for micro and small-scale traders through the new phase of the GEEP programme. “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,” he stated.

The traders and market leaders expressed their appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and to the National Programme Manager for reviving the social investment initiatives and for prioritizing grassroots traders who form the backbone of the informal economy.

Highlighting the programme’s core objectives, Mr. Baba explained that GEEP, under NSIPA, is designed to extend financial inclusion and provide business support to petty traders, artisans, and small entrepreneurs across Nigeria. He noted that the Renewed Hope agenda is anchored on creating opportunities, building resilience, and enhancing livelihoods for vulnerable but productive citizens.

The Kano engagement, he added, is a crucial step toward building widespread support and ensuring the successful rollout of GEEP 3.0 nationwide.