For years, limited opportunities, outdated tools, and insufficient government support have plagued Nigerian farmers and young people. Now, the Nigerian Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) is intervening with concrete solutions, aiming to transform the sector.
In a move to safeguard farmlands and investments, NALDA recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF). This partnership will enhance security for NALDA’s Mega Farm Estates, which span over 10,000 hectares. Farmers can now focus on food production without fear of disruption. The collaboration also offers employment opportunities for police officers and their families, creating mutual benefits.
Beyond security, NALDA is tackling unemployment by engaging 100,000 young Nigerians in agriculture. Working with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the Niger State Government, this initiative aims to produce 500,000 tons of food while providing direct income to participants.
Each youth is projected to earn approximately ₦150,000 (approximately $100 USD based on current exchange rates) in the first year, incentivizing them to view agriculture as a viable and profitable career. This project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes economic empowerment and food security.
NALDA is also addressing the aging farmer population. The agency is launching the Institute of Agribusiness and Entrepreneurship, starting with a fully equipped facility in Aba, Abia State. This institution aims to modernize agriculture and make it tech-driven. With classrooms, laboratories, fish ponds, poultry pens, and a sports complex, the goal is to attract younger generations to farming.
Technology plays a crucial role in NALDA’s strategy. The agency is utilizing drones for aerial mapping and herbicide spraying, along with tractors and harvesters to increase productivity. Furthermore, a farmer database is under development to ensure that government support reaches intended recipients, combating corruption and eliminating intermediaries.
NALDA’s initiatives represent tangible changes designed to secure Nigeria’s food future. By integrating security, youth empowerment, modern education, and technology, the agency is demonstrating agriculture’s potential as a driver of economic growth and self-sufficiency. While challenges persist, Nigeria’s agricultural sector is showing signs of progress.
