The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to equip Nigerian youths with agricultural skills and increase their participation in the country’s food production and agribusiness sectors.
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The renewed commitment was made through the Federal Ministry of Youth Development (FMYD) during a meeting between the ministry and a delegation from FAO Nigeria in Abuja.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Maryam Keshinro, who spoke on behalf of the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, said Nigerian youths remain one of the country’s greatest assets and must be properly engaged through practical development programmes.
According to her, the partnership with FAO is expected to create more opportunities for young people in agriculture, improve technical knowledge, and support national economic growth.
Dr Keshinro noted that Nigeria’s youth population accounts for nearly 70 percent of the country’s population, describing it as a major advantage that can transform the economy if properly harnessed.
She said despite Nigeria’s vast agricultural potential and large youth population, many young people are still not fully involved in productive sectors, especially agriculture.
“The energy, creativity and innovation of Nigerian youths can drive national development, particularly in agriculture, if supported with the right investments and structured programmes,” she said.
The Permanent Secretary also pointed to the growing gap between available jobs and the skills possessed by many young Nigerians, especially in the agricultural sector.
“There is a clear imbalance between skill supply and labour demand, particularly in agriculture. This underscores the need for stronger collaboration, capacity building, and practical interventions to equip our youths with relevant, market-driven skills,” she stated.
She added that stronger partnerships with development organisations such as FAO would help bridge the skills gap, improve youth empowerment, and encourage more young Nigerians to explore opportunities across the agricultural value chain.
Speaking during the meeting, FAO Nigeria Programme Officer, Tofiq Braimah, said the collaboration is focused on positioning young Nigerians as active contributors to food security, economic growth, and national development.
Braimah said investing in youth participation in agriculture remains critical to building sustainable food systems and creating employment opportunities for the growing population of young Nigerians.
He added that FAO would continue working with the ministry to provide youths with the skills, resources, and opportunities needed to succeed in agriculture and related sectors.
