The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to empower Nigerian youths and increase their participation in agriculture, as part of wider efforts to address unemployment, food insecurity, and economic growth.
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The commitment was disclosed during a meeting between officials of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and a delegation from FAO Nigeria in Abuja.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry, Mrs. Omolara Esan, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, said the partnership is aimed at unlocking the potential of young Nigerians through targeted investments, skills development, and practical opportunities in the agricultural sector.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, Keshinro said Nigerian youths possess the creativity, innovation, and energy needed to drive national development, especially in agriculture, which remains one of the country’s most important economic sectors.
She explained that Nigeria’s large youth population presents a major opportunity for economic transformation if properly supported with the right skills and opportunities.
According to her, nearly 70 percent of Nigeria’s population are young people, making youth-focused investment critical to the country’s long-term growth and productivity.
Despite Nigeria’s vast arable land and agricultural potential, Keshinro noted that many young Nigerians are still underutilised in productive sectors due to limited access to technical training, practical experience, and market-driven opportunities.
She commended FAO for its continued support towards agricultural development in Nigeria, noting that the organisation’s global experience and technical expertise would help strengthen ongoing efforts to make agriculture more attractive and rewarding for young people.
“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 said.
Keshinro added that stronger partnerships with development organisations such as FAO would help bridge the existing skills gap, expand opportunities for Nigerian youths, and improve participation in agriculture and agribusiness.
She stressed that the government is focused on building programmes that will not only encourage youth participation in farming but also support young Nigerians across the agricultural value chain, including processing, logistics, agritech, and food production.
In her remarks, Programme Officer at FAO Nigeria, Mr. Tofiq Braimah, said the initiative is designed to position young Nigerians as active contributors to national development through agriculture.
Braimah stated that investing in youth participation in agriculture is important for achieving sustainable food systems, economic development, and job creation across the country.
She noted that young people remain the strength and future of every nation, adding that the collaboration between FAO and the Ministry would provide Nigerian youths with the skills, resources, and opportunities required to succeed in agriculture and agribusiness.
The development comes at a time when the Federal Government is increasing efforts to improve youth employment and expand opportunities in sectors with high economic potential.
Alongside its collaboration with FAO, the Ministry of Youth Development also reaffirmed its support for youth-led climate action through a separate partnership with the Climate Beyond Borders Caravan, a pan-African environmental advocacy initiative.
Speaking during a meeting with the delegation, Keshinro described climate change as a growing challenge affecting livelihoods, food security, public health, migration, peace, and economic stability across Africa.
She noted that although young people are among the groups most affected by climate change, they also remain key drivers of innovation and sustainable solutions.
According to her, the partnership aligns with the Ministry’s commitment to equipping Nigerian youths with the knowledge, skills, and platforms needed to lead climate action at community, national, and international levels.
“Through advocacy, community engagement, policy dialogue, and cross-border partnerships, the initiative will nurture a new generation of environmentally conscious African leaders,” she said.
Leader of the delegation, Ms. Olufunke Kumuyi, said the Climate Beyond Borders Caravan is mobilising young Africans towards environmental responsibility, climate advocacy, and sustainable development across the continent.
