FG Launches Youth Agribusiness Fund, Awards ₦1m Grants to 10 Young Farmers

News in Brief:

—The Federal Government launched the Youth in Agribusiness Land Trust Fund (YiALTF) and awarded ₦1 million grants to 10 young farmers to promote youth participation in agriculture.

—The initiative aims to train six million youths, create 500,000 agribusiness enterprises, and transform 42 Youth Development Centres into agribusiness hubs across Nigeria.

The Federal Government recently launched the Youth in Agribusiness Land Trust Fund (YiALTF) and awarded grants of ₦1 million each to 10 young farmers as part of efforts to boost youth participation in agriculture and expand access to agribusiness opportunities across the country.

The programme was unveiled in Abuja by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development in partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) as part of efforts to address barriers limiting young people’s involvement in the agricultural sector.

Initiative Targets Youth Empowerment Through Agriculture

Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, described the initiative as a major step towards empowering young Nigerians and transforming agriculture into a more attractive and profitable venture.

According to a statement issued by the ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Omolara Esan, the scheme will provide an integrated support framework that includes access to land, capacity building, finance, mechanisation services, modern technology, mentorship, business incubation and market opportunities.

“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,” Olawande said.

Government Plans 500,000 Youth-Led Agribusinesses

The minister disclosed that the government plans to convert the ministry’s 42 Youth Development Centres into agribusiness hubs across the country, train six million young Nigerians within the next three years, and support the creation of at least 500,000 youth-led agribusiness enterprises nationwide.

Also speaking at the event, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu said efficient land use and youth-driven innovation are essential to achieving food security, economic diversification and sustainable national development.

In her remarks, Maryam Keshinro described the initiative as a landmark intervention that would transform underutilised public assets into productive agribusiness platforms. She called for continued collaboration among government institutions, development partners and private sector stakeholders to ensure the programme’s long-term success.

Representing Uba Sani, Barrister Gloria Ibrahim commended the initiative, describing it as a practical response to challenges facing young agripreneurs, particularly in accessing land and developing sustainable enterprises.

The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, pledged support for the programme's implementation, while the Director-General of the IITA, Simeon Ehui, said the success of the initiative would be measured by the number of youths empowered and agribusinesses established.

Beneficiary Hails Support for Beekeeping Enterprise

One of the grant beneficiaries, Orji Chiamaka Precious, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and its partners, noting that the support would significantly boost her beekeeping business.

The initiative could form a key part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to strengthen food production, create jobs and position agriculture as a major driver of inclusive economic growth.