The Nigerian government has unveiled a 10-year Strategic Action Plan (2026–2035) aimed at transforming the agricultural sector through youth-led innovation.

The announcement came as part of Nigeria’s efforts to implement the Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP) Kampala Declaration (2026–2036), which focuses on improving food and nutrition security across Africa.

Vice President Kashim Shettima shared the details on Tuesday during the United Nations Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4) held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Speaking at a high-level dialogue involving African leaders and youth agri-food entrepreneurs, the Vice President emphasized the role of young Nigerians in reshaping food systems.

“A nation that is prepared for the future is not known by the promises it makes, but by the place it gives to its youth in shaping those promises. To see African youths leading the charge in this essential sector speaks more eloquently than any speech,” Shettima said.

The action plan will prioritize agricultural innovation, food sustainability, and economic diversification.

Government officials also stressed the need to attract investment in agritech, rural farming, and modern agricultural practices, aligning the plan with national economic growth and food security goals.

Meanwhile, Vice President Kashim Shettima also addressed the Plenary Session on Transforming Food Systems in Complex Settings, where he announced that Nigeria has already committed $538.05 million to the first phase of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme.

The initiative is designed to increase agricultural productivity, enhance rural livelihoods, and drive agro-industrialisation across key regions.

“The SAPZ programme in Nigeria is being implemented in partnership with the African Development Bank, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, the Islamic Development Bank, and other key development partners. The initiative is projected to attract $1 billion in total investments by 2027, reduce post-harvest losses by 80%, and has already generated over 785,000 jobs across targeted regions,” Shettima stated.

He stressed that African youths remain central to shaping the future of the agri-food sector, describing them as the continent’s most valuable asset. He urged both public and private stakeholders to mobilise support for youth participation in agricultural transformation.

Reaffirming the Federal Government’s focus on food security, the Vice President said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has declared a State of Emergency on Food Security, reactivated more than 500,000 hectares of arable land, expanded access to seeds and extension services, and deployed strategic food reserves.

The Abia State Government (ABSG) has approved the establishment of a CSS-type large-scale integrated farming structure in the state, aimed at strengthening food security.

This announcement was made by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, during a press briefing on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting, which was presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

Prince Kanu explained that the state government is setting up this CSS-type farm to boost the food production capacity of the state, as well as provide a platform for youth involvement in agriculture and agribusiness. He said, “The administration of Dr. Alex Otti has completed the first phase supervision exercise of the CSS-farm trained farmers.”

In a previous initiative, 302 young Abians were sent to CSS farms in Nasarawa State for training. Upon completing their training, these trainees were empowered to begin their agricultural ventures. Now, the program is being brought back to Abia State.

“When that is in place here in the state, it will not only boost the food production capacity of the state government but offer a training ground for our teaming youths to go into agriculture and agribusiness,” Prince Kanu added.

The success rate of the first phase of the training exercise has been reported as over 80%. The beneficiaries, who utilized the interest-free funds judiciously, also trained at least three new farmers. “They are in a position to pay back the interest-free funds that were extended to them and will be adequately encouraged,” the commissioner noted.

He also mentioned that there were certain promises made to the incubatees (trainees), assuring them that they would be properly identified and empowered to pursue different areas of agriculture that they were trained in. This aligns with the program’s objectives to develop sustainable agricultural practices within the state.

However, Prince Kanu pointed out that about 26 beneficiaries had not made themselves available for access or supervision of their projects. As a result, these individuals cannot adequately account for the funds extended to them. “They will face serious sanctions,” Kanu stated.

In addition to the establishment of the large-scale farming structure, the state government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, has approved a support package for farmers.

This will include improved inputs, which will be rolled out in the coming weeks.

“The distribution will be based on the database from the Ministry of Agriculture, which the Ministry put together during their farmers enumeration exercise,” said Prince Kanu. This initiative aims to ensure that those genuinely involved in agriculture receive the necessary support.

“The improved inputs are meant to help farmers increase their productivity and contribute to the overall goal of enhancing food security in Abia State,” he emphasized. This move also ensures the credibility of the program by targeting the right individuals who are genuinely engaged in farming.

The Commissioner for Information also provided an update on the ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Lands and Housing. The ministry is conducting aerial imagery of Abia’s 4,795.74 square kilometers, including radar and 2D line mapping of Aba and Umuahia, which measure about 2,220 square kilometers.

“The aerial mapping of our land space will enable the government to know the extent of lands in Abia and identify areas where government projects can be carried out,” Prince Kanu explained.

Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije, the Commissioner for Land and Housing, further explained the purpose of the land mapping. “All these efforts are made to strengthen the efficient delivery of services of the government,” he said. He noted that the aerial imagery would help government agencies identify project sites more easily.

The briefing was attended by Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, the Commissioner for Agriculture, and Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, who were present to support the announcements.

NIRSAL and the Rural Electrification Agency of Nigeria (REAN) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deliver off-grid energy solutions to agricultural clusters across Nigeria. This initiative is expected to close the infrastructure gap in areas like irrigation, processing, and storage.

According to the announcement, “The partnership is aimed at ensuring sustainable production by supporting agricultural activities with reliable energy.” This move supports NIRSAL’s dedication to climate-smart agriculture and green energy financing.

The off-grid power plan targets rural farmers and processors who currently depend on petrol-powered systems. “This transition to green energy is a climate change mitigation strategy,” the statement added, “helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improving access to climate finance for small producers.”