Nigeria launches ‘Green Money Project’ to boost agricultural productivity

NIGERIA — The Federal Government has launched the Green Money Project, a youth-centred agricultural programme aimed at improving food security, creating employment, and introducing digital innovation in Nigeria’s agriculture sector. 

The initiative was formally introduced at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), and is expected to be rolled out across several educational institutions and training hubs nationwide.

Focus on youth empowerment through agriculture

At the launch event, the Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Agriculture described the initiative as a direct response to the government’s recent declaration of a state of emergency on food security. 

He stated that the project supports the administration’s broader Renewed Hope Agenda by mobilizing young Nigerians to engage in modern agricultural practices.

The Green Money Project is structured to attract, train, and support youth participants by equipping them with practical knowledge in areas such as mechanized farming, climate-resilient agriculture, and digital tools designed for the agricultural value chain. 

Training will be offered through selected universities, youth development centres, and technical colleges, which will serve as regional hubs for skills development, mentorship, and market integration.

Institutional support and national reach

The project’s coordinator, speaking at the launch, emphasized that the programme will address several national challenges, including rising unemployment, poverty, and underutilization of agricultural resources. 

He explained that the initiative will incorporate components such as data development, resource mobilization, and capacity building to support the emergence of young agribusiness owners.

According to the Vice Chancellor of FUNAAB, the institution is well-positioned to support the project’s objectives. 

He expressed appreciation for FUNAAB being selected as one of the host universities, and noted that the initiative aligns with ongoing research and innovation efforts within the university’s agriculture and food production units.

Agriculture as a tool for economic diversification

The launch of the Green Money Project comes amid efforts to reposition agriculture as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic development. 

The agricultural sector contributes approximately 24% to Nigeria’s GDP and employs a large share of the population, particularly in rural areas. However, it continues to face structural issues, including limited mechanization, poor infrastructure, and inconsistent access to markets.

According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, youth unemployment in Nigeria stood at 6.9% in the second quarter of 2023 under a revised methodology. 

While this marks a statistical improvement, many young Nigerians remain underemployed or outside the labour force. 

Government interventions like the Green Money Project aim to reduce this gap by providing practical pathways into economically viable sectors.

Part of a broader policy framework

The Green Money Project joins other government-led programmes focused on improving agricultural productivity. 

These include the Nigeria Digital Agriculture Strategy (2020–2030), which promotes the use of emerging technologies in farming, and the Green Imperative Programme, a US$1.2 billion (₦1.44 trillion) mechanization initiative launched in partnership with Brazil.

While no detailed funding figures for the Green Money Project have been released, implementation is expected to involve collaborations with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, as well as public and private sector stakeholders.

The programme is anticipated to begin with a pilot rollout before expanding to additional regions and institutions. 

Selection criteria for institutions include existing infrastructure, student capacity, and regional agricultural relevance. 

Officials present at the launch included representatives from federal agencies, youth organisations, and agriculture-based enterprises, signalling plans for multi-stakeholder coordination.

Linking modern tools with traditional farming

By integrating digital solutions with traditional agricultural practices, the Green Money Project seeks to reposition farming as a viable enterprise. 

Its model includes training in agritech applications, access to financial tools, mentorship from experienced practitioners, and entry points to domestic and export markets. 

The initiative’s success will hinge on consistent implementation, institutional support, and sustained access to infrastructure and funding.