IFAD, World Bank's AgriConnect Targets 2.5m Nigerian Jobs by 2030

News in Brief:

— Nigeria’s AgriConnect Compact aims to create 2.56 million jobs and improve food security for nearly three million people by 2031, backed by $5 billion in investment.

— The initiative targets opportunities in farming, agribusiness, food processing and agricultural technology, particularly for young Nigerians.

Nigeria has launched a new agricultural development framework that could create 2.56 million jobs. It would also improve food security for nearly three million people by 2031 and create opportunities for young Nigerians in farming, technology, and agribusiness.

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), the World Bank Group, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and other development partners announced the Nigeria AgriConnect Compact in Ibadan on September 28, 2026.

This programme could attract $5 billion in funding over five years from development partners and private investors. It aims to strengthen agricultural production, expand access to finance and improve market connections for farmers and agribusinesses.

Agriculture Offers New Opportunities for Young Nigerians

The Compact targets priority crop and livestock value chains with strong potential for productivity growth and employment. It also aims to increase average yields of rice, maize and wheat by 30 per cent, while raising cassava yields by 35 per cent.

For young Nigerians, these targets could create opportunities in crop production, livestock farming, food processing, logistics, agricultural technology and marketing.

The framework also prioritises access to affordable credit, insurance and blended finance. Young entrepreneurs could use these avenues to overcome financial barriers to starting or expanding agricultural businesses.

Agriculture currently contributes about 26 per cent of Nigeria's gross domestic product and employs approximately 30 per cent of its workforce. However, productivity remains relatively low, while about half of the country's 37 million hectares of arable land is underutilised.

IFAD Country Director for Nigeria, Mohamed El-Ghazaly, said the organisation would support smallholder farmers through stronger farmer groups, improved post-harvest management and better connections to reliable markets.

Can AgriConnect Help Tackle Food Insecurity?

The initiative comes as Nigeria faces persistent food affordability challenges, with more than 31 million people experiencing acute food insecurity, according to the figures cited by the programme's partners.

Inflation, insecurity and climate-related shocks hinder food production and access. To improve food availability, it is important to increase productivity and strengthen supply chains.

AgriConnect aligns with Nigeria's Renewed Hope Agenda and National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP). Its implementation will focus on strengthening agricultural systems and encouraging greater private-sector participation.

IFAD is already supporting Nigerian agriculture through programmes including the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) and the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises Project in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND). Its existing and forthcoming programmes in Nigeria represent nearly $392 million in financing commitments.

Whether AgriConnect delivers lasting benefits will depend on how effectively funding translates into productive farms, viable agribusinesses and accessible jobs for young people across Nigeria.