Nigeria launches land fund to train young agribusiness entrepreneurs

NIGERIA – The federal government of Nigeria has introduced a national land fund that will help young people enter agribusiness by giving them access to farmland and training across the country.

The initiative, called the Youth in Agribusiness Land Trust Fund, will use land within 42 national youth development centers to train young people in modern farming and agribusiness skills. The Ministry of Youth Development announced the program on March 10.

Officials say the effort will help young Nigerians gain practical skills and find work in agriculture, a sector that remains central to the national economy.

Training and land access for youth

The government will run the program in partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture. The project aims to train more than six million young Nigerians in modern farming methods and climate aware practices. Participants will also learn how different agricultural value chains work, from production to processing and market access.

Youth Development Minister Ayodele Olawande said the program will help young people build careers in agriculture.

“This initiative will give young Nigerians access to land, practical training, and the right support so they can build successful agribusiness ventures,” Olawande said.

He added that the program will help build a stronger group of young entrepreneurs who can take part in food production and rural economic activity.

Agriculture remains key to the economy

Agriculture continues to play a major role in Nigeria’s economy. Data from the World Bank shows that the sector accounts for about 22.7 percent of the country’s gross domestic product and provides jobs for close to 60 percent of the working population.

Despite its importance, the sector still faces several challenges. Farmers deal with climate pressures, weak infrastructure, insecurity in some rural areas, and limited access to finance and modern equipment.

Government leaders say stronger youth participation could help address some of these issues while creating jobs.

Wider push to strengthen agriculture

The land fund forms part of a wider effort by the Nigerian government to strengthen agricultural production and improve farm systems.

One of the major programs already underway is the Green Imperative Project, a cooperation effort between Nigeria and Brazil. The program focuses on agricultural mechanization and support services for farmers.

The first phase of the project carries an estimated value of US$1.1 billion (US$1.1 billion). Authorities launched its operational phase in March 2025.

Officials say these combined programs will help increase production, support farmers, and create more opportunities for young people across Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

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