Niger govt, NALDA partner to engage 100,000 youths in agriculture
In a strategic move to boost food security and youth employment, the Niger State Government, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, and the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to empower 100,000 youths through the National Youth Agricultural Scheme.
The agreement, sealed at the Niger State Government House in Minna, brings together key stakeholders, including Minister of Youth Development Comrade Ayodele Olawande, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, Chairman of Niger Foods Mr. Sammy Adigun, and NALDA CEO/Executive Secretary Mr. Cornelius Oluwasegun Adebayo.
Under this initiative, participating youths will engage in large-scale food production, with an ambitious target of yielding 500,000 tons of food. Each participant is projected to earn ₦150,000 in the first year, with the potential to scale their earnings into millions over the next four to five years.
This initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to job creation and food security. Minister Olawande praised Governor Bago’s proactive approach to agricultural development, highlighting Niger State’s role as a model for youth-driven agribusiness.
With Niger State recognized as a leader in agricultural development, the collaboration aims to provide land access, training, and financial support to youth, ensuring a structured pathway for sustainable agribusiness growth. Governor Bago expressed confidence in the project’s impact, emphasizing that with the right support, Nigerian youths can excel in the agricultural sector.
Source- Tribune
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
The National Youth Agricultural Scheme is a promising step toward strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural workforce while addressing unemployment. Here’s what stakeholders should note:
- Scalability and Long-Term Economic Impact
– The initiative’s phased earnings model (starting at ₦150,000 with potential long-term growth) suggests a sustainable income stream for young farmers.
– If properly managed, this can transition youths from short-term participants to full-time agripreneurs. - Enhancing Food Security and Local Supply Chains
– The target production of 500,000 tons of food can significantly reduce reliance on imports, stabilize local markets, and improve national food security.
– Stakeholders, including food processors and agribusiness investors, should explore partnerships with the program to enhance value addition. - Land and Infrastructure Considerations
– Access to farmland and mechanization will be crucial for the program’s success.
– If land acquisition or infrastructure (irrigation, storage, processing facilities) is not well managed, yield efficiency may be compromised. - Need for Private Sector and Financial Institution Engagement
– Financial institutions and private agribusinesses should consider offering credit facilities, input financing, and market linkage support to enhance program effectiveness.
– Insurance options should also be explored to mitigate risks for participating youth. - Monitoring and Sustainability
– The scheme’s success will largely depend on effective monitoring, mentorship, and access to extension services.
– Policymakers must ensure that this is not just a short-term political project but a structured pathway for young farmers to transition into long-term agribusiness entrepreneurs.
This initiative has the potential to drive youth participation in agriculture while strengthening food production in Nigeria. However, to maximize impact, government and private-sector stakeholders must work together to address infrastructure gaps, ensure proper monitoring, and create enabling policies that support young farmers in the long run.
