FG unveils agribusiness fund to empower 6m youths

The Minister, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, delivering his keynote address at the opening of ARISE Youth Skills Week 2025 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Credit: FMYD

The Federal Government on Monday unveiled the Youth in Agribusiness Land Trust Fund, an initiative it described as a bold and strategic intervention to catalyse youth participation in agriculture, unlock agribusiness opportunities, and drive sustainable economic growth. The initiative, launched by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development in partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture in Abuja, seeks to remove longstanding barriers to youth engagement in agriculture, particularly access to land, while equipping young Nigerians with the tools needed to thrive across the agricultural value chain. Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, described YiALTF as a game-changing intervention that will reposition agriculture as a viable and attractive enterprise for Nigerian youth. According to a statement signed by the ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Omolara Esan, the minister explained that beyond land access, the programme provides an integrated support system, including capacity building, access to finance, modern technology, mechanisation services, mentorship, business incubation, and market linkages. “The YiALTF is not just a programme; it is a national platform for youth empowerment and economic transformation. We are creating pathways for young Nigerians to become active players and leaders in the agribusiness ecosystem,” the minister stated. He further disclosed that the initiative will convert the ministry’s 42 youth development centres into fully operational agribusiness hubs, train six million young Nigerians within the next three years, and support the establishment of at least 500,000 youth-led agribusiness enterprises nationwide. Also speaking, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, emphasised that efficient land utilisation and youth-driven innovation remained critical to achieving food security, economic diversification, and national development. Related News Food prices jump in April 2026 — NBS China seeks greater youth role in deepening Nigeria-Africa ties Otti backs plan to expand insurance access in Abia In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development, Dr Maryam Keshinro, described YiALTF as a landmark intervention that will transform underutilised public assets into productive agribusiness platforms. She called for s