Chukwu Obinna 
Minister of youth development, Ayodele Olawande
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria’s federal government has launched a new agribusiness programme aimed at training more than six million young Nigerians and expanding access to farmland across the country.
The Youth in Agribusiness Land Trust Fund (YALTF) initiative unlocks land within 42 National Youth Development Centres and is designed to tackle youth unemployment while strengthening food production.
Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande unveils the programme in Abuja on Tuesday alongside a partnership agreement with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).
“The programme will equip young Nigerians with modern agricultural knowledge, exposure to value-chain opportunities and climate-smart practices,” Olawande says.
He explains that limited access to farmland has long prevented young people from participating meaningfully in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Permanent Secretary Maryam Keshinro describes the initiative as a critical step in translating agricultural potential into employment opportunities.
“The MoU signing reflects a strong government commitment to turning agriculture into measurable jobs and economic growth,” she says.
Director-General of IITA Simeon Ehui pledges technical expertise, innovation support and practical training to transform the youth centres into major agribusiness hubs.
He says the programme moves beyond policy discussions to deliver real opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
Officials say the initiative forms part of the federal government’s broader strategy to strengthen food security and empower Nigeria’s youth population, which accounts for more than 60 per cent of the country’s citizens
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Oluwafunbi Bello 
Korede Abdullah 