Written by The Federal Government on Monday launched the Youth in Agribusiness Land Trust Fund, pledging to train six million young Nigerians in agriculture within three years and support the creation of at least 500,000 youth-led agribusiness enterprises across the country.
The fund, known as YiALTF, was unveiled in Abuja by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development in partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture.
Minister of Youth Development Mr. Ayodele Olawande described it as a direct response to two barriers that have historically kept young Nigerians out of farming: access to land and access to capital.
Beyond land, the programme bundles capacity building, financing, mechanisation services, mentorship, business incubation and market linkages into a single platform.
The ministry’s 42 youth development centres across the country will be converted into operational agribusiness hubs as part of the rollout.
“We are creating pathways for young Nigerians to become active players and leaders in the agribusiness ecosystem,” Mr. Olawande said.
The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, described YiALTF as a mechanism to turn underused public assets into productive agricultural platforms, and called on government agencies, development partners and the private sector to align behind it.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Mr. Atiku Bagudu, also speaking at the launch, said efficient land use and youth-driven innovation were not optional but central to Nigeria’s food security and economic diversification goals.
Dr. Simeon Ehui, Director-General of IITA, said the measure of success would be visible in actual businesses created, not intentions stated.
Ten young farmers received N1 million each at the ceremony to scale their existing agribusiness ventures. One beneficiary, Ms. Orji Precious, a beekeeper, described the grant as timely.
Source: Federal Ministry of Youth Development official statement, Director of Information and Public Relations Ms. Omolara Esan, 2 June 2026.
