Unlocking Nigeria’s Future: How Supporting Youth in Agriculture Could Generate ₦60 Trillion Annually
A recent political economy analysis by ActionAid Nigeria has uncovered a staggering opportunity for national growth: Nigeria could be losing up to ₦60 trillion every year due to insufficient support for youth involvement in the agriculture sector.
This revelation was shared by Mr. Azubike Nwokoye, Food and Agriculture Programme Officer at ActionAid Nigeria, during a presentation on the Nigeria Youths in Agrictech Innovation Programme (NYAIP). The event was part of a National Young People Dialogue on Inclusive Food Systems, organized in partnership with the Senate Committee on Agriculture and supported by the German International Cooperation (GIZ).
Azubike emphasized that Nigeria’s 40 million unemployed youths represent untapped potential. If empowered to participate meaningfully in agriculture, each youth could contribute at least $1,000 (approximately ₦1.5 million) to the economy annually. This could translate into $40 billion or roughly ₦60 trillion each year—a transformative impact on national GDP.
Even a modest investment—supporting just five million young Nigerians in agriculture—could generate between $10 billion and $20 billion yearly through enhanced trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This would not only reduce unemployment but also help stabilize the country’s food system and increase exports.
To drive this vision forward, ActionAid Nigeria and its partners have initiated a National Dialogue involving young agriculturists from all 36 states of the federation. The aim is to advocate for stronger institutional and financial support for youth-led innovation and Agritech initiatives across the country.
Bridging the Gap with Digital Solutions in Agriculture
In a related development, farmers and cooperatives in Imo State have received a boost through modern technological training aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and building resilience against climate change.
The Digital Financial Solutions training, held at the University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (UAES) in Umuagwo, Imo State, was organized by the European Union (EU) and funded by the DIGISOL Project. The training also covered farmers in Ogun and Kwara States, empowering them with digital tools and techniques to strengthen their farming practices and financial inclusion.
Participating institutions included Al-Hikmah University in Kwara State and the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State. The initiative underscores the EU’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s agricultural transformation by equipping stakeholders with practical knowledge to improve output and adapt to climate realities.
Together, these efforts paint a promising picture of what Nigeria’s agriculture sector could become—a hub of innovation, employment, and economic growth—if we invest in our youth and equip our farmers with the right tools for success.
Sourses: https://guardian.ng/