FG, IITA Launch Land Fund for Youth Farmers

The Federal Government has partnered with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to establish a land trust fund aimed at expanding access to farmland and encouraging millions of young Nigerians to build careers in agribusiness.

The initiative was unveiled on Monday in Abuja, with the government describing it as a major step toward tackling youth unemployment, boosting food production, and transforming agriculture into a more attractive and profitable sector for young people.

Government Targets Six Million Youths

Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the programme would transform all 42 youth development centres across the country into functional agribusiness hubs.

According to the minister, the initiative aims to train and empower six million young Nigerians over the next three years while supporting the creation and formalisation of at least 500,000 youth-led agribusiness enterprises.

Olawande explained that the programme is designed to provide young entrepreneurs with access to critical resources required for success in modern agriculture, including land, finance, technical training, mechanised equipment, climate-smart technologies, value-chain opportunities, and reliable markets.

He noted that the initiative would also help connect youth-led businesses to both domestic and international markets, creating pathways for growth and export opportunities.

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Addressing Land Access Challenges

The minister said one of the biggest barriers preventing young Nigerians from entering agriculture has been limited access to farmland.

He noted that Nigerians under the age of 30 account for about 60 per cent of the country’s population, yet many young people remain excluded from agricultural opportunities because they do not have access to land.

According to him, the newly established land trust fund is intended to remove that obstacle by creating a structured mechanism through which young people can access farmland and participate meaningfully in agricultural production.

Olawande stressed that addressing land ownership and access issues is essential to attracting a new generation of farmers and agribusiness entrepreneurs.

Agriculture Beyond Traditional Farming

The minister also highlighted the changing nature of agriculture, saying the sector has evolved far beyond traditional farming practices.

He explained that modern agriculture is increasingly driven by technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, research, and data-driven solutions, creating opportunities across multiple segments of the value chain.

According to Olawande, young Nigerians can now build successful careers not only as farmers but also as processors, exporters, logistics providers, agritech innovators, and service providers supporting agricultural production.

He said the government’s vision is to position agriculture as a viable and attractive career path capable of generating wealth and sustainable employment for millions of young people.

Partnership with IITA to Provide Technical Support

The collaboration with International Institute of Tropical Agriculture is expected to provide the technical expertise, research support, and innovation needed to ensure the success of the programme.

IITA, one of Africa’s leading agricultural research institutions, has extensive experience in developing technologies and solutions aimed at improving agricultural productivity and food security across the continent.

Government officials said the partnership would help ensure that participants receive practical training and access to modern agricultural practices capable of improving yields and profitability.

The initiative is also expected to strengthen efforts to build a new generation of skilled agribusiness operators who can contribute to national economic growth.

New Push to Tackle Unemployment and Food Security

The launch of the land trust fund comes as Nigeria continues to seek solutions to rising youth unemployment and food security concerns.

Officials believe that removing barriers to land access and providing targeted support for young entrepreneurs could significantly increase agricultural participation among youths while boosting domestic food production.

The government expressed optimism that the programme would not only create jobs but also help strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural value chains, reduce dependence on food imports, and promote long-term economic development.

With millions of young Nigerians expected to benefit from the initiative, authorities say the partnership marks a significant step toward positioning agriculture as a key driver of employment, innovation, and sustainable growth in the country.

Segun Lasisi

A Lagos-based journalist with a passion for disseminating factual information and a deep appreciation for good music, good food, movies, and beautiful cars. He hopes to travel the world someday, documenting its beauty and diverse cultures through his storytelling.