President Tinubu Appoints Hamza Ibrahim Baba As National Programme Manager For GEEP.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Hamza Ibrahim Baba as the National Programme Manager for the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP). The announcement, made on Friday, 23 May 2025, underscores the administration’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and supporting small-scale businesses across Nigeria.
The GEEP, a key component of the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), aims to provide accessible credit and financial support to market women, traders, artisans, and youth entrepreneurs. The programme, which includes initiatives like the Iyaloja Fund, has previously seen significant investment, with N75 billion allocated in 2023 to empower 1.5 million market women through non-interest loans. Hamza Ibrahim Baba’s appointment is expected to drive the next phase of GEEP, focusing on expanding access to credit and enhancing economic opportunities for Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations.
While specific details about Baba’s background remain limited, his appointment has been met with optimism, with stakeholders praising President Tinubu’s focus on merit-based leadership. The presidency highlighted Baba’s capability to lead GEEP’s transformative agenda, aligning with the Renewed Hope initiative to promote economic growth and youth empowerment. In a recent New Year address, President Tinubu announced plans to establish the National Credit Guarantee Company by mid-2025, a move that complements GEEP’s objectives by improving credit access for small businesses.
The appointment comes at a time when Nigeria is addressing economic challenges, including inflation and unemployment. GEEP’s role in providing micro-loans and capacity-building support is seen as critical to uplifting grassroots entrepreneurs. The programme’s previous successes, such as the rollout of the Iyaloja Fund in three phases, have demonstrated its potential to transform livelihoods, particularly for women in agriculture and trade, who contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economy.
Reacting to the appointment, industry observers expressed confidence in Baba’s ability to steer GEEP towards greater impact. “This is a strategic move to ensure that financial inclusion reaches the grassroots,” said a spokesperson for a local trade association. “We look forward to seeing how Mr. Baba will expand the programme’s reach and effectiveness.”
President Tinubu has urged the new National Programme Manager to prioritise transparency, accountability, and innovation in delivering GEEP’s mandate. As Nigeria prepares for the launch of the National Credit Guarantee Company and other economic reforms in 2025, Baba’s leadership will be pivotal in ensuring that GEEP continues to empower millions of Nigerians.
