csrreporters 
The Federal Government has launched the Youth in Agribusiness Land Trust Fund (YiALTF), a new initiative aimed at expanding youth participation in agriculture, improving access to land, and driving agribusiness-led economic growth across Nigeria.
The programme, unveiled in Abuja by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development in partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), seeks to position agriculture as a viable pathway for youth employment, entrepreneurship, and national development.
Minister’s Remarks
Speaking at the launch, Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande described the initiative as a transformative intervention designed to address one of the most significant barriers facing young agripreneurs—access to land.
According to the minister, the programme goes beyond land allocation by providing an integrated support system that includes capacity building, access to finance, modern technology, mechanisation services, mentorship, business incubation, and market linkages.
He explained that YiALTF is structured to strengthen the entire agricultural value chain while empowering young Nigerians to build sustainable businesses within the sector.
Expanding Opportunities for Young Agripreneurs
One of the key components of the initiative is the planned conversion of 42 youth development centres across the country into agribusiness hubs. These centres are expected to serve as training, innovation, and enterprise development hubs for young people interested in agriculture and agribusiness.
The government also aims to train six million young Nigerians within the next three years and facilitate the establishment of at least 500,000 youth-led agribusiness enterprises nationwide.
According to Olawande, YiALTF is designed as a national platform for youth empowerment and economic transformation, creating pathways for young people to become active participants and leaders in Nigeria’s agricultural ecosystem.
Supporting Food Security and Economic Diversification
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, highlighted the importance of efficient land use and youth-driven innovation in achieving national development objectives.
He noted that strengthening youth participation in agriculture is essential for improving food security, promoting economic diversification, and building a more resilient economy.
As Nigeria continues to confront challenges related to unemployment, food production, and rural development, stakeholders view youth-focused agribusiness initiatives as critical tools for unlocking economic potential while addressing pressing social needs.
A Collaborative Approach
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Maryam Keshinro, described YiALTF as a landmark intervention capable of transforming underutilised public assets into productive agribusiness platforms.
She called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, private sector organisations, development partners, and agricultural stakeholders to ensure the programme achieves its objectives.
Representatives of state governments and development institutions also welcomed the initiative, describing it as a practical response to the challenges faced by young agripreneurs, particularly in accessing land and scaling their enterprises.
Early Support for Young Farmers
As part of the launch activities, ten young farmers received grants of ₦1 million each to support the expansion of their agribusiness ventures.
Beneficiaries described the support as timely, noting that access to funding remains one of the major constraints affecting youth-led agricultural enterprises.
The grants are expected to help recipients strengthen operations, increase productivity, and create additional opportunities within their communities.
Looking Ahead
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Olakunle Nafiu, reaffirmed the scheme’s readiness to support implementation efforts, while the Director-General of IITA, Simeon Ehui, stressed that the programme’s success would ultimately be measured by the number of empowered youths and sustainable agribusinesses created.
With its focus on land access, enterprise development, skills training, and financial support, YiALTF is expected to play a significant role in advancing the government’s broader agenda of strengthening food systems, creating jobs, and promoting inclusive economic growth.
If successfully implemented, the initiative could open new opportunities for millions of young Nigerians while helping to build a more productive, resilient, and youth-driven agricultural sector.
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