The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Leonard and Nkiruka Okorkwo Foundation (LANOF), Heinrich Böll Foundation (HBF), and other stakeholders, on Tuesday unveiled the 2025–2030 revised National Youth Manifesto in Agriculture alongside the 2025 Nigerian Youth in Agribusiness Call to Action. The event, held in Abuja, marked a significant step toward placing young people at the center of agricultural transformation in the country.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, who was represented by Mrs. Safina Abdullah, Deputy Director of Planning and Policy Coordination, described the manifesto as a “youth-owned roadmap” for the sector. He stressed that the initiative was not just symbolic but a “call to duty,” assuring that the government was committed to translating the document into actionable policies, investments, and opportunities. The manifesto, he said, is anchored on eight priorities, including agroecology and climate resilience, access to land and inputs, youth-responsive finance and markets, agritech innovation, capacity development, gender inclusion, policy advocacy, and mentorship.
Kyari further noted that the revised document aligns with existing policies such as the National Agriculture Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP) 2022–2027 and the National Gender Policy in Agriculture (2025–2030). He revealed that the ministry would integrate the Youth in Agribusiness Call to Action into its strategic plan and develop a National Youth in Agribusiness Strategy in line with the African Union’s framework. He emphasized that initiatives in mechanisation, finance, digital platforms, and extension services would empower a new generation of farmers to drive a resilient and innovative agricultural sector.
Speaking at the launch, LANOF Co-Founder, Mrs. Nkiruka Okorkwo, described the manifesto as both a policy advocacy tool and an empowerment mechanism for young Nigerians. She highlighted that its strength lies in being co-created by youths themselves, adding that its strategies require multi-sectoral collaboration, long-term investment, and technical support. Similarly, HBF Country Director, Sophie von Knebel, praised the collaborative effort behind the manifesto, while ActionAid Nigeria’s Blessing Akhile lauded the initiative as “heartwarming” and pledged continued support for inclusive agricultural development.
Kyari commended the contributions of youth leaders from all six geopolitical zones, as well as partners LANOF and HBF, urging young Nigerians to embrace the process. “Own this process. Build enterprises, not just farms. Innovate solutions, not just demand opportunities,” he charged, underscoring the government’s vision of positioning youths as architects of the nation’s agricultural future.
