FG Launches Land Access Programme to Boost Youth Agribusiness

The Federal Government has partnered with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture to launch an Agribusiness Land Trust Fund aimed at improving young people's access to land and expanding participation in agriculture.

Speaking at the launch in Abuja, Ayodele Olawande said the initiative will convert 42 youth development centres into agribusiness hubs and provide training and support for six million young Nigerians over the next three years.

He said the programme also aims to help establish and formalise 500,000 youth-led agribusiness businesses while connecting young entrepreneurs to local and international markets.

Olawande noted that limited access to farmland remains a major challenge for many young Nigerians seeking opportunities in agriculture. He added that modern agriculture now offers opportunities beyond farming, including processing, technology, innovation, exports and other value-chain activities.

Also speaking, Atiku Bagudu said Nigeria can increase agricultural production and exports by improving land management and encouraging more young people to invest in agribusiness. He cited countries such as Netherlands and Bangladesh as examples of nations achieving strong agricultural output despite having limited land resources.

Director-General of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Simeon Ehui, said the fund will address one of the biggest barriers facing young people in agriculture by making land available through a dedicated trust mechanism for youth-led agribusiness ventures.