The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to launch a youth farmers enrollment portal to create direct jobs for Nigerian youth across the agricultural value chain.
This was revealed on Monday during a visit by a delegation from the Nigerian Youth Economic Engagement and De-Radicalisation Programme (NIYEEDEP) to the Minister for Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande. The visit highlighted the program’s strides in empowering Nigerian youth through agriculture and related industries.
The NIYEEDEP team, led by its National Coordinator, Comrade Kennedy Iyere, provided updates on their initiative and plans for the portal’s unveiling scheduled for January 17, 2025, in Abuja. According to the ministry, the platform will allow Nigerian youth to apply for agricultural grants and support. Comrade Iyere emphasized that the initiative aims to mobilize young Nigerians to address the country’s economic challenges by fostering entrepreneurship in agriculture, technology, and creative industries.

Comrade Iyere described the portal’s launch as a significant milestone in NIYEEDEP’s mission to transform youth from job seekers to active contributors in the economy. The delegation included representatives from the American Association of Grant Writers, Mr. Marc Paley and Ms. Staci Smith, alongside Mr. Victor Obinna Edeh, an African representative for Bayern Munich Football Club. Their presence underscored the program’s international collaboration to achieve its goals.
Comrade Olawande commended the NIYEEDEP team for their commitment to reducing youth unemployment. He urged the team to ensure tangible results before the portal’s unveiling, adding, “Nigerian youth must see and feel the impact of this program.” He reiterated the Federal Government’s dedication to empowering young Nigerians through skill development and job creation. The launch event is expected to attract key stakeholders, including industry leaders, NGOs, and youth groups.

Agriculture remains Nigeria’s largest employer, with over 25 million individuals engaged in related activities as of 2023, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). This sector represents 30.1% of the workforce, far surpassing industries like wholesale and retail trade, which employs 23.1 million people. The government hopes that initiatives like NIYEEDEP will harness this sector’s potential to provide sustainable livelihoods for Nigerian youth.