Maryam Aminu
The Federal Government and the Food and Agriculture Organization have intensified efforts to address youth unemployment and boost food production by strengthening collaboration aimed at expanding young Nigerians’ participation in agriculture.
Speaking during a meeting with an FAO delegation in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, said the partnership would help unlock the vast potential of Nigerian youths and position agriculture as a major driver of economic growth and national development.
Keshinro, who spoke on behalf of the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, noted that Nigeria’s youthful population, estimated at about 70 per cent, remains one of the country’s greatest assets if properly harnessed through targeted investments, skills acquisition and innovation-driven programmes.
She lamented that despite Nigeria’s vast arable land and growing demand for food production, many young people remain underutilised in productive sectors, particularly agriculture.
According to her, the country continues to face a major gap between labour market demands and the skills possessed by many youths, especially in technical and practical areas required for modern agriculture.
“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.
The Permanent Secretary commended the FAO for its longstanding support to Nigeria’s agricultural development agenda, stressing that the organisation’s global expertise would further strengthen efforts to empower youths and create sustainable livelihoods.
She added that sustained partnerships with development organisations are critical to bridging the skills gap, expanding opportunities for young Nigerians and increasing youth participation in agriculture and agribusiness.
Earlier, Programme Officer at FAO Nigeria, Mr. Tofiq Braimah, said the initiative was designed to position youths as active contributors to national development through agriculture.
Braimah described young people as the backbone of every nation, noting that increased investment in youth participation in agriculture would enhance food security, create jobs and support sustainable economic growth.
She added that collaboration with the ministry would deepen ongoing efforts to provide Nigerian youths with the skills, resources and opportunities needed to thrive in agriculture and related enterprises.
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