L-R, the United Nations Assistant Secretary General Youth Affairs, Dr Fellipe Paullier and Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen Abubakar Kyari during the couresty visit.

Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, has emphasised the critical role of youth participation in transforming the country’s agricultural sector, noting that increased involvement will accelerate production, strengthen agribusiness, and enhance food security.

He made the remarks during a courtesy visit by a United Nations delegation led by Felipe Paullier in Abuja, where discussions focused on expanding opportunities for young people within the agricultural value chain.

Kyari highlighted ongoing government efforts to position youth at the centre of agricultural development through improved access to finance, technology, and market opportunities. He pointed to key initiatives such as the operationalisation of the National Agricultural Development Fund and the recapitalisation of the Bank of Agriculture Nigeria, describing them as major steps toward unlocking affordable financing for youth-led agribusinesses.

According to the minister, targeted programmes in mechanisation, digital agriculture, and extension services are designed to empower a new generation of farmers while modernising the sector. He also acknowledged the growing influence of young Nigerian innovators, including Samson Ogbole and Femi Adekoya, whose work in areas such as soilless farming, drone technology, and biofortified crops is helping to reshape agricultural practices.

In his remarks, Paullier noted that the United Nations is committed to strengthening youth engagement globally by improving access to land, resources, technology, and policy platforms. He said the organisation’s youth-focused initiatives aim to ensure young people play a more active role in shaping sustainable development outcomes.

Further reinforcing the government’s commitment, Permanent Secretary Marcus Ogunbiyi revealed that Nigeria is undertaking its largest mechanisation drive to date, including the procurement of 2,000 tractors and more than 9,000 agricultural implements. The initiative is expected to boost productivity while creating employment opportunities for young people across the agricultural value chain.

Stakeholders within the sector have welcomed these efforts, with agripreneurs highlighting the importance of financial support, access to inputs, and policy backing in enabling youth participation.

As Nigeria continues to push for agricultural transformation, the integration of young people into the sector is increasingly seen as essential to driving innovation, improving productivity, and securing long-term food and nutrition security.