The Federal Government, in partnership with the Leonard and Nkiruka Okorkwo Foundation (LANOF), Heinrich Böll Foundation (HBF), and other stakeholders, on Tuesday unveiled the revised National Youth Manifesto in Agriculture (2025–2030) alongside the Nigerian Youth in Agribusiness Call to Action 2025.
The event, held in Abuja, highlighted fresh strategies to position young Nigerians at the centre of agricultural transformation.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, described the manifesto as a “youth-owned roadmap for the future of agriculture in Nigeria.”
“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 said.
Represented by Mrs. Safina Abdullah, Deputy Director of Planning and Policy Coordination, the minister noted that the launch was “not symbolic but a call to duty.” He assured that the ministry would translate the document into actionable policies, investments, and opportunities.
The manifesto is anchored on eight priorities: agroecology and climate resilience, access to land and inputs, youth-responsive finance and market access, agritech innovation and research, capacity development, gender and social inclusion, policy advocacy and governance, as well as mentorship and intergenerational learning.
Kyari added that the revised plan aligns with the National Agriculture Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP) 2022–2027 and the 2025–2030 National Gender Policy in Agriculture.
“The ministry will integrate the Nigerian Youth in Agribusiness Call to Action into the revised National Gender Policy in Agriculture and its Strategic Plan of Action 2025–2030. We are fully committed to developing a National Youth in Agribusiness Strategy in line with the African Union’s African Agribusiness Youth Strategy,” he said.
He further stressed that targeted programmes—such as mechanisation, access to finance, digital platforms, and extension services—would empower a new generation of farmers.
“They will take the lead in shaping a more resilient, innovative, and inclusive agricultural sector,” the minister added.
In her remarks, Nkiruka Okorkwo, Co-Founder of LANOF, described the manifesto as both a policy advocacy tool and a youth empowerment mechanism.
“The strength of this manifesto lies in its co-creation by the youth, and for the youth. These strategies require multi-sectoral collaboration, technical support, and long-term investment,” Okorkwo said.
Sophie von Knebel, Country Director of HBF, commended the collaborative effort behind the initiative, expressing optimism that it would spur transformation in the agricultural sector.
Similarly, Blessing Akhile of ActionAid Nigeria’s National Gender Steering Committee hailed the unveiling as “heartwarming,” reaffirming ActionAid’s commitment to promoting inclusion and ensuring that the manifesto translates into tangible action.
The minister lauded LANOF, HBF, and youth leaders from all six geopolitical zones for their contributions, urging young Nigerians to embrace the challenge.
“Own this process. Build enterprises, not just farms. Innovate solutions, not just demand opportunities,” Kyari charged.
