The Rivers State Microfinance Agency (RIMA) has said its inability to effectively reach rural communities is hampering efforts to disburse government-approved micro loans to small business operators in those areas.
The Managing Director of RIMA, Pastor Jonathan Tobin, disclosed this during a chat with journalists, attributing the challenge to limited manpower and inadequate logistics.
According to him, the agency’s shortage of staff and lack of operational equipment have made it difficult to penetrate rural communities where many small-scale entrepreneurs require financial support.
Pastor Tobin, however, expressed optimism that the situation would improve, noting that plans are underway to engage more staff within the year to enable the agency expand its reach across communities in the state.
He also issued a warning to loan beneficiaries who are reluctant to repay their loans, urging them to meet their repayment obligations.
The RIMA Managing Director added that the agency may be forced to take legal action to recover funds from defaulters in order to sustain the microfinance scheme and ensure continued support for other small business operators.
