Kyari pushes for more youth in Agribusiness to transform Nigeria’s Food Systems
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has emphasized the importance of scaling up youth agripreneurship in transforming Nigeria’s agri-food systems.
The Minister stated this during a High-Level Event on Scaling up Youth Agripreneurship in Nigeria for Food Systems Transformation through the FGN/NDDC/IFAD Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) Project held Tuesday in Abuja
Kyari stated that young agripreneurs, fuelled by ingenuity and determination, are taking the lead in agrifood innovation, from precision agriculture to AI-powered farm tools, soilless farming, financing and payment platforms, digital marketplaces and agro-processing.
He pointed out that ‘’they are leading with innovation and a shared commitment to sustainable development and are ready to transform agrifood systems, create dignified livelihoods and drive inclusive economic growth in our dear Nation, Nigeria’’.
According to him, ‘’through strategic investments and strengthened partnerships with civil society, the private sector and development partners, we have already demonstrated proof of concept’’.
‘’We have piloted youth-led agripreneurship models, expanded agro-processing and agribusiness incubation and leveraged digital tools to connect farmers to markets and finance, showing what is achievable when policy aligns with purpose’’
To scale up youth agripreneurship, Kyari outlined key support pillars, including:
– Land access and tenure assistance for young farmers
– Innovative financing mechanisms with blended finance options
– Business development services, mentorship, and market linkages
– Digital platforms for showcasing products and accessing markets
– Climate adaptation and risk management frameworks
– Robust monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems
The FGN/NDDC/IFAD assisted Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in the Niger Delta is a testament and strong evidence that showcases this concept and strategy’’.He said
While calling for strengthened collaboration from all stakeholders, Kyari emphasized, “Let us align our incentives so that risk-taking is rewarded and success is shared. Let us build ecosystems where collaboration eclipses competition and where every young agripreneur has a fair chance to contribute to our national prosperity’
He thanked development partners, the private sector, and countless champions who have contributed to the feat so far recorded, noting that “Your trust and collaboration give us confidence that scaling-up youth agripreneurship is not only possible but inevitable’’.
In his welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi stated that the ‘’objective of this event aligns with the Federal Government’s strategic goal of repositioning agriculture as a viable, wealth-creating, and competitive sector–one capable of reducing unemployment, deepening value addition, and contributing significantly to national prosperity’’
‘’We envision an agricultural landscape where young agripreneurs emerge not merely as participants, but as innovators, employers, and industry leaders across processing, logistics, technology, and value chain development’’ He added
Dr. Ogunbiyi praised the LIFE-ND project’s incubation model, which supports young agripreneurs through skills development, hands-on training, and mentorship by established agribusinesses. The model also provides access to digital tools, modern technologies, market linkages, and value chain integration, empowering young entrepreneurs to succeed in agriculture.
National Project Coordinator, Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises – Niger Delta, Dr. Abiodun Sanni thanked stakeholders for their support, citing the project’s achievements, including creating over 23,751 direct jobs and increasing household incomes by 50% among beneficiaries.
‘’The LIFE-ND Project has demonstrated that with the right model, Nigeria can convert its youthful population from job seekers to agripreneurial wealth creators capable of transforming the nation’s food system.” He added
