The Nigerian government has partnered with Hello Tractor and Heifer International Nigeria to launch a mechanisation hub in Lafia, Nasarawa State, underscoring a commitment to technologically advanced, youth-led agribusiness transformation.

This was stated by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, during a High-Level Policy Dialogue on Youth and Women in Agribusiness held in Abuja.

Kyari stressed the importance of innovation within the agricultural sector, focusing on the inclusion of young people and women. 

He introduced the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP), which aims to transform agriculture into a competitive, tech-savvy industry through mechanisation, digital agriculture, and enhanced access to modern resources.

The government also activated the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) to attract long-term financing into the sector. 

In addition, President Bola Tinubu approved a recapitalisation of the Bank of Agriculture amounting to N1.5 trillion, which will particularly support youth and women-led enterprises.

Kyari outlined five core policy interventions under the National Agribusiness Policy Mechanism, including affordable credit access and digital platforms, urging banks and investors to align with the government’s vision.

Mr. Abdul Kamara, Director-General of the Nigeria Country Department of the African Development Bank (AfDB), reiterated the bank’s dedication to empowering Nigeria’s youth and women through investments in innovation and access to finance. 

He highlighted initiatives to support micro, small, and medium enterprises, such as the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises Programme (iDICE) and the Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank Fund (YEIB-Fund).

Kamara also mentioned the Ekiti Knowledge Zone Project and the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) program, which are both designed to enhance Nigeria’s agro-industrial landscape and create job opportunities, especially in rural areas.

The event, themed “Bridging the Gap – Access to Finance & Empowering Youth and Women for Agribusiness Success,” was attended by government officials, stakeholders, and representatives from various sectors, all focused on fostering a thriving agribusiness ecosystem in Nigeria.

Source: NAN News

Image Credit: Nigeria News Direct