National Assembly Proposes ‘Equity Trust Fund’ to Empower Nigerian Youths
Abuja, May 16, 2025 – The National Assembly has introduced a bill to establish an ‘Equity Trust Fund’ aimed at empowering Nigerians aged 25 and below, with a focus on supporting youth entrepreneurship, agribusiness, and inclusive economic growth. The fund is designed to address persistent barriers to capital, create jobs, and reduce youth emigration, popularly known as the “japa syndrome”.
Key Features of the Proposed Equity Trust Fund
- Target Group: Nigerians aged 25 years and below, with special consideration for women.
- Support Mechanism: Provision of startup grants and business support to help young people grow sustainable ventures.
- Sector Focus: Strong emphasis on agriculture and agribusiness, recognizing youth involvement as critical to revitalizing the sector and addressing the ageing farming population.
- Broader Goals: The fund aims to foster job creation, economic growth, poverty reduction, and food security by encouraging youth innovation and entrepreneurship.
Senator Saliu Mustapha, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture Production Services and Rural Development, announced the proposal at the National Young People’s Dialogue on Inclusive Food Systems. He stressed that the fund could create a more conducive environment for young Nigerians to thrive, reduce the “japa syndrome,” and ensure sustainable development.
“We are working to establish a trust fund that consistently supports both young Nigerians and women in their respective fields of endeavour… If we succeed in creating this dedicated fund, which would serve as a start-up grant, it will enhance economic growth and help reduce the current ‘japa syndrome’ in the country.”
- Senator Saliu Mustapha1
Policy Context and Complementary Initiatives
The dialogue, organized by ActionAid Nigeria with support from the German International Cooperation (GIZ), highlighted the urgent need for deliberate policy shifts, targeted training, and increased investment in youth-led businesses. Stakeholders emphasized that youth participation in agriculture offers diverse employment opportunities and is essential for tackling challenges such as climate change, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss.
In addition, the Nigerian Youth in Agritech and Innovation Programme (NYATIP) was introduced to champion policy frameworks and initiatives that empower young Nigerians to create sustainable livelihoods within the agricultural sector.
Stakeholder and Youth Reactions
Participants, including young entrepreneurs and advocates for youth with disabilities, called for easier access to loans, more mechanization equipment, and inclusive policies to ensure all youths benefit from the fund and related programs.
Broader Government Efforts
The Equity Trust Fund proposal complements other federal initiatives, such as the Skills-to-Wealth Training Programme, which trains youths in agriculture, renewable energy, and automobile repair across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones. These efforts reflect a broader shift from poverty alleviation to poverty reduction, aiming to build resilience and transform the lives of Nigerian youths.
Outlook
If enacted, the Equity Trust Fund is expected to play a pivotal role in empowering Nigeria’s youth, reducing unemployment, boosting local entrepreneurship, and strengthening national food security.
