By Maryam Aminu
Agriculture remains one of Nigeria’s most promising sectors for tackling youth unemployment, boosting food production and diversifying the economy. With millions of young people seeking sustainable livelihoods, the Federal Government has unveiled the Youth in Agribusiness Land Trust Fund (YiALTF), a major intervention designed to increase youth participation in agriculture, expand access to farmland and accelerate the growth of youth-led agribusinesses across the country.
The initiative was launched in Abuja by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development in partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), with stakeholders describing it as a strategic move to modernise agriculture and strengthen food security through youth-driven enterprise.
Speaking at the launch, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, said the programme would address longstanding challenges limiting young people’s involvement in agriculture, particularly access to land.
According to him, YiALTF goes beyond land allocation by providing a comprehensive support system that includes capacity building, access to finance, mechanisation services, modern technology, mentorship, business incubation and market linkages.
Describing the initiative as a transformative platform, Olawande said it would create opportunities for young Nigerians to become key players in the agricultural value chain while contributing to economic growth.
“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,” he said.
The minister disclosed that the programme would convert the Ministry’s 42 Youth Development Centres into functional agribusiness hubs, train six million youths over the next three years and support the establishment of at least 500,000 youth-led agribusiness enterprises nationwide.
Also speaking, the Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, stressed the importance of efficient land utilisation and youth-led innovation in achieving food security, economic diversification and national development.
Pictorial Story: The Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu (R), the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, and one of the beneficiaries of the ₦1 million grant, Miss Orji Chiamaka Precious, during the presentation segment of the Youth in Agribusiness Land Trust Fund (YiALTF) launch, held in Abuja on Monday, June 1, 2026.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, described YiALTF as a landmark initiative capable of transforming underutilised public assets into productive agribusiness platforms.
She called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, development partners and private-sector stakeholders to ensure the programme achieves its objectives and delivers lasting impact.
Representing the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, Barr. Gloria Ibrahim commended the initiative, describing it as a practical response to challenges facing young agripreneurs, especially in the areas of land accessibility and enterprise development.
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, pledged the Scheme’s support for the implementation of the programme, while the Director-General of IITA, Dr. Simeon Ehui, said its success would ultimately be measured by the number of empowered youths and thriving agribusiness ventures created.
As part of activities marking the launch, 10 young farmers received grants of ₦1 million each to expand their businesses.
One of the beneficiaries, Orji Chiamaka Precious, a beekeeper, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and its partners, saying the support would significantly boost her enterprise and create new opportunities for growth.
The YiALTF is expected to play a key role in the Federal Government’s broader efforts to empower young people, strengthen Nigeria’s food systems and position agriculture as a driver of inclusive economic development.
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