FG, FAO Deepen Collaboration to Boost Youth Participation in Agriculture
Oru Leonard
The Federal Ministry of Youth Development has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to unlock the potential of Nigerian youths in agriculture and agribusiness.
Speaking during a meeting with an FAO Nigeria delegation in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Maryam Keshinro, said the partnership aligns with the Federal Government’s efforts to empower young people through skills development and productive engagement in key sectors of the economy.
Representing the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, Dr. Keshinro described Nigeria’s youthful population as a major asset capable of driving national growth if properly supported with training, innovation, and investment opportunities.
She noted that although Nigeria is endowed with vast arable land and a large youth population, many young Nigerians remain underutilized in sectors such as agriculture due to inadequate technical knowledge and limited access to practical skills.
According to her, there is a growing need for targeted interventions that bridge the gap between labour market demands and the skills possessed by young people, particularly in 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 said.
The Permanent Secretary also commended FAO for its continued support to Nigeria’s agricultural development efforts, expressing confidence that the organisation’s global expertise would help strengthen youth-focused agricultural initiatives across the country.
In her remarks, Tofiq Braimah, Programme Officer at FAO Nigeria, said the organisation is committed to promoting youth engagement in agriculture as a pathway to sustainable development, food security, and job creation.
Braimah stressed that young people remain central to the future of every nation, adding that increased investment in youth participation in agriculture would contribute significantly to economic growth and resilient food systems.
She added that closer collaboration with the Ministry would expand opportunities for Nigerian youths by providing them with the skills, resources, and support needed to succeed in agriculture and agribusiness.
The meeting forms part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government and development partners to position agriculture as a viable sector for youth employment and entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
