The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled an ambitious 10-year Strategic Action Plan (2026–2035), marking a significant move toward revamping the country’s agricultural landscape with a strong emphasis on youth-driven innovation and agri-tech development.

This plan aligns with the Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP) and the Kampala Declaration (2026–2036)—a continent-wide commitment by African leaders to strengthen food systems, improve nutrition, and secure food sovereignty.

Speaking at a high-level session during the United Nations Food Systems Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Vice President Kashim Shettima described youth participation as the backbone of the country’s new agricultural vision. He affirmed that empowering young Nigerians in agribusiness would be pivotal to building resilient, inclusive, and modern food systems.

“A nation’s true preparedness for the future lies in its ability to equip its youth to shape that future,” Shettima stated, reinforcing Nigeria’s resolve to cultivate a new generation of agri-leaders.

To ensure seamless execution, the government has established an Agricultural Sector Working Group and a Technical Implementation Committee. These bodies will monitor rollout, encourage state-federal alignment, and promote collaboration between public institutions and private investors.

₦1.5 Trillion Youth Agric Revolution Fund

As part of its commitment, the government has recapitalized the Bank of Agriculture with ₦1.5 trillion ($1 billion). This funding will drive the Youth Agricultural Revolution, enabling young farmers and agri-focused organizations to access loans of up to ₦1 million, fostering inclusive financing.

According to the Vice President, this plan “isn’t about subsidies or handouts—it’s a structured, resilience-focused strategy for long-term growth.”

Program Highlights:

• Youth in Agribusiness Initiative: In collaboration with the Netherlands and global partners, this initiative will empower 10,000 young Nigerians—with a minimum of 40% women—in key areas like horticulture, aquaculture, poultry, and cassava processing.
• Green Imperative Project: A $1.1 billion partnership with Brazil to scale mechanized farming, greenhouse innovation, and irrigation infrastructure.
• Tractor Rollout: 2,000 tractors have already been launched under a $70 million agricultural investment, targeting over 550,000 hectares and farming households. A further 10,000 tractors are expected through a long-term partnership with John Deere.
• Skills Development: The plan includes agri-tech training, business mentoring, and a robust monitoring & evaluation system to ensure transparency and success.

Building a Future-Proof Food Economy

With this long-term strategy, Nigeria aims to reduce its dependence on raw commodity exports by investing in agro-processing and value addition, fostering local economic resilience and job creation.

The government insists this isn’t a quick-fix intervention but a generational blueprint, built on shared responsibility, strategic partnerships, and inclusive participation across all regions.