The Nigerian government has introduced a 10-year Strategic Action Plan (2026–2035) aimed at transforming the country’s agricultural sector, with Vice President Kashim Shettima highlighting youth-driven innovation as a key element in reshaping the nation’s food systems.
This initiative forms part of Nigeria’s efforts to implement the Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP) Kampala Declaration (2026–2036), which was endorsed by African Heads of State to enhance food and nutrition security across the continent.
During a high-level dialogue held at the United Nations Food Systems Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, VP Shettima addressed African youth agri-food entrepreneurs and leaders, stressing the critical role of young people in driving innovation and building resilient food systems.
“A nation’s readiness for the future is measured not by its promises, but by how it empowers its youth to shape those promises. The leadership of African youth in this vital sector is a powerful testament to progress,” Shettima said.
He noted that Nigeria has already set up an Agricultural Sector Working Group and a Technical Committee to oversee the national rollout of the Kampala Declaration and the Strategic Action Plan.
The plan is designed to align federal and state-level goals, encourage collaboration between public and private sectors, and ensure meaningful youth involvement across all stages of implementation.
Vice President Kashim Shettima revealed that the Nigerian government has recapitalised the Bank of Agriculture with ₦1.5 trillion (approximately $1 billion) to drive the Youth Agricultural Revolution, enabling young farmers and agri-focused groups nationwide to access loans of up to ₦1 million.
“This initiative isn’t about handouts; it’s about intentional inclusion,policy built for resilience,” he remarked.
The Vice President highlighted several active programs, including a partnership with the Netherlands and various international bodies through the Youth in Agribusiness Initiative. This program aims to empower 10,000 young people,40 to 50 percent of whom are women,across hubs focused on horticulture, poultry, aquaculture, and cassava processing.
He also pointed to Nigeria’s growing investments in agricultural mechanisation, irrigation, and greenhouse development. Notably, he referenced the $1.1 billion Green Imperative Project in collaboration with Brazil, which aims to improve year-round agricultural output and streamline the value chain.
As part of this drive, Nigeria has launched an initial rollout of 2,000 tractors under a $70 million investment plan, covering more than 550,000 hectares and benefiting over 550,000 farming households. A long-term partnership with John Deere will see 10,000 tractors deployed over the next five years.
Vice President Shettima further emphasised the importance of boosting investments in value addition and agro-processing to reduce dependence on raw commodity exports and to foster resilient local economies.
He stated that the upcoming 10-Year Strategic Action Plan will place a strong focus on agro-technology training, business mentorship, and a robust monitoring and evaluation system.
“This is not a short-term effort,” he concluded. “It’s a generational mission that demands collaborative effort, strategic alliances, and a deep-rooted commitment to shared responsibility.”
