The Executive Secretary of the National Agricultura Development Fund (NADF), Mohammed Ibrahim, has emphasized the need for increased skills training in the agri-tech sector to enhance agriculture and create job opportunities for Nigerian youth. Speaking at the Nigerian Youth Development stakeholders’ roundtable organized by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation in Abuja, Ibrahim highlighted the potential of integrating technology with agriculture to equip young people for the future workforce while addressing food security challenges.
Ibrahim noted that the agri-tech sector—where technology and agriculture intersect—offers vast opportunities for youth. However, he expressed concern that the sector remains underutilized despite rapid advancements in agricultural technology. Drawing from his experience as a founder of two successful agri-tech companies, he underscored the potential for innovation to revolutionize the sector.
To address this gap, the NADF is developing a framework for agricultural skills training aligned with global standards. In collaboration with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), the NADF is implementing the National Agricultural Technical, Vocational, and Educational Training Programme. The initiative focuses on critical skills such as soil science, veterinary medicine, and digital mapping to modernize farming practices and make agriculture more accessible and appealing to youth.
As part of its efforts, the NADF will launch a pilot scheme across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. This six-day program will tailor agricultural skills training to the unique needs of each region, ensuring relevance and impact. Ibrahim highlighted the importance of addressing financial barriers for young Nigerians entering agriculture, noting that NADF’s balanced funding models aim to support both smallholder farmers and youth entrepreneurs.
By investing in agri-tech skills and financial accessibility, NADF aims to drive sustainable agricultural growth, foster job creation, and empower Nigeria’s youth to become key players in the country’s food security and economic development.
