Access Bank Plc has launched a specialized Agriculture Desk aimed at bolstering agribusiness and strengthening food security in Nigeria. This initiative aligns with the Central Bank of Nigeria's "From Farm to Table" policy. The Agriculture Desk, serving as a dedicated unit within the bank, will provide financial and advisory services while supporting prospective and existing players in Nigeria's agribusiness value chain.

This new unit will extend its services across various segments, including input and supply, primary production, storage, processing, marketing, and mechanized agriculture. Its goal is to facilitate the realization of the "From Farm to Table" policy, emphasizing Access Bank's commitment to contributing to sustainable food security in the country.

During a press conference at the unveiling of the Agriculture Desk at Access Towers, Ms. Hadiza Ambursa, Executive Director, Commercial Banking, emphasized that the Agriculture Desk is not solely focused on financing but also aims to drive transformative change within the agricultural sector. It will offer capacity building, technology adoption, and market access support to clients.

Access Bank has a strong track record of collaborating with government agencies, international organizations, and industry associations to drive growth in Nigeria's agricultural sector. The bank's investments in agribusiness have exceeded N200 billion, benefiting over 10,000 agribusinesses, including Small Holder Farms (SHFs), Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), farmer associations/cooperatives, and corporates.

The bank's support has led to various positive impacts, including increased food security, job creation, business growth for customers, and increased revenue. Access Bank's commitment to sustainable agricultural business, combined with strategic partnerships, has contributed to Nigeria's self-sufficiency in food production and global recognition.

Access Bank has tailored its financial solutions to address the specific challenges faced by farmers, agribusinesses, and stakeholders in the agricultural value chain. These solutions include financial and advisory services, market linkages, capacity building (with a focus on women and youth), stakeholder engagement, project monitoring, and reporting.

Clients can expect a seamless and simplified process for accessing services from the Agriculture Desk within two weeks. The process involves becoming a customer, submitting a loan application, providing documentation (such as feasibility reports and credit checks), and undergoing a review and inspection. The loan tenor is aligned with project gestation periods, and repayment plans are flexible to match customers' cash flows, with competitive interest rates reflecting market realities.