The Federal Government has partnered with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to launch an Agribusiness Land Trust Fund aimed at improving young Nigerians' access to farmland and boosting youth participation in the agricultural sector.

Speaking at the launch in Abuja on Monday, Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande said the initiative forms part of the government's broader strategy to unlock opportunities for young people in agriculture and transform the sector into a driver of economic growth and employment.

According to the minister, the programme seeks to transform the country's 42 youth development centres into agribusiness hubs, train six million young Nigerians in agribusiness over the next three years, and facilitate the creation and formalisation of at least 500,000 youth-led agribusiness enterprises.

"Through this initiative, we aim to transform all 42 youth development centres into vibrant agribusiness hubs, train six million young Nigerians within the next three years, support the creation and formalisation of at least 500,000 youth-led agribusiness enterprises, and connect young entrepreneurs to local and international markets," Olawande said.

He noted that while Nigeria possesses significant agricultural potential, sustained growth in the sector depends on improved access to finance, land, technical training, modern technology, mechanisation, climate-smart solutions, value chain integration, and reliable markets.

Olawande identified limited access to productive land as one of the most significant barriers preventing young Nigerians from pursuing careers and business opportunities in agriculture.

"Despite these opportunities, one major obstacle continues to stand in the way of many aspiring young people in agriculture, which is access to land. For countless young Nigerians, the inability to secure productive land remains the biggest barrier to entering and succeeding in agriculture," he said.

The minister added that agriculture has evolved beyond traditional farming and now presents opportunities in technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, processing, export, and other segments of the value chain.

"Today, agriculture is no longer simply about farming. It is increasingly driven by technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, and knowledge. It offers opportunities for young people to become business owners, processors, exporters, service providers, innovators, and leaders across entire agricultural value chains," he added.

Also speaking at the event, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Atiku Bagudu said Nigeria could significantly increase agricultural production and exports by improving land management and encouraging greater youth participation in agribusiness.

Bagudu cited the Netherlands and Bangladesh as examples of countries that have achieved high levels of agricultural productivity despite having limited land resources.

"There is no part of this country that cannot compete with the Netherlands," he said, noting that the European country has become a global agricultural powerhouse despite its relatively small land area.

According to him, Nigeria's abundant land resources provide a strong foundation for expanding agricultural output and strengthening its position in global agricultural markets.

Director-General of IITA, Simeon Ehui, described the Agribusiness Land Trust Fund as a strategic intervention designed to address one of the most persistent challenges facing young people seeking to enter the agricultural sector.

Ehui said the fund would mobilise land linked to the ministry's youth programmes through a dedicated trust mechanism, making it easier for youth-led agribusiness ventures to access productive farmland.

The initiative is expected to support the government's efforts to promote youth employment, enhance food security, and accelerate the development of a more productive and commercially driven agricultural sector.