President Bola Tinubu’s administration has reaffirmed its focus on youth empowerment in agriculture, unveiling the 2025–2030 National Youth Manifesto in Agriculture on Tuesday in Abuja.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, was developed in partnership with the Leonard and Nkiruka Okorkwo Foundation (LANOF), the Heinrich Böll Foundation (HBF), and other partners. The launch also introduced the 2025 Nigerian Youth in Agribusiness Call to Action, a strategy document for food system reforms.
At the event, Minister of Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari, described the manifesto as a transformational plan owned by young Nigerians.
“This manifesto is proof that the young populace is not just beneficiaries of policy but architects and drivers of the nation’s agricultural future,” Kyari declared.
Represented by Mrs. Safina Abdullah, the minister said the blueprint would be translated into concrete opportunities—covering access to finance, digital platforms, mechanisation, and skills training.
The document is anchored on eight priority areas including climate resilience, inclusive policies, mentorship, agritech innovation, and improved access to land.
Kyari explained that the manifesto aligns with the government’s broader agricultural reform policies, particularly the National Agriculture Technology and Innovation Policy (2022–2027) and the revised National Gender Policy in Agriculture (2025–2030).
Stakeholders welcomed the unveiling. Nkiruka Okorkwo of LANOF said the policy tool was built with direct input from the youth. Sophie von Knebel, HBF’s Country Director, called it a milestone for agricultural transformation, while ActionAid’s Blessing Akhile said it reinforced inclusion and equity.
Kyari charged Nigerian youths not to remain passive but to actively create agribusiness enterprises.
“Own this process. Build enterprises, not just farms. Innovate solutions, not just demand opportunities,” he advised.
The Tinubu administration believes the manifesto will empower youths to drive agricultural productivity, food security, and economic sustainability in Nigeria.