Nigeria is deepening collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to expand youth participation in agriculture and agribusiness as part of broader efforts to tackle unemployment and strengthen food systems.

The renewed partnership was highlighted during a meeting in Abuja between officials from the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and a delegation from FAO Nigeria.

Speaking on behalf of Ayodele Olawande, Permanent Secretary Maryam Keshinro said Nigeria’s large youth population represents a major economic advantage that can drive national development if properly supported through skills training and structured investment programmes.

According to Keshinro, Nigerian youths account for roughly 70% of the country’s population, creating significant potential for growth in sectors such as agriculture, agribusiness and agro-processing.

Agriculture seen as pathway for youth employment

Despite Nigeria’s extensive arable land and youthful workforce, Keshinro noted that many young people remain underutilised in productive sectors, particularly agriculture.

She said the country continues facing a growing mismatch between labour market requirements and the skills available among young people, especially in technical and practical agricultural competencies.

Keshinro stressed that stronger partnerships with development institutions are needed to equip youths with market-driven skills capable of supporting employment creation, food production and entrepreneurship across agricultural value chains.

FAO focuses on youth-driven food systems

Tofiq Braimah said the partnership aims to position young Nigerians as active contributors to economic development and sustainable food systems.

According to Braimah, investing in youth participation within agriculture is essential for improving food security, creating jobs, supporting innovation and building sustainable livelihoods.

The FAO said collaboration with Nigeria’s Ministry of Youth Development will strengthen efforts to provide young people with the skills, resources and opportunities required to succeed in agriculture and agribusiness.

Agribusiness gaining importance in Nigeria’s economic strategy

Nigeria has increasingly prioritised agriculture as part of broader economic diversification efforts aimed at reducing dependence on oil revenues while improving food production and rural employment.

Youth-focused agricultural initiatives are also becoming more important as African governments seek to address rising unemployment levels and harness the continent’s growing young population for economic development.

The strengthened FAO partnership reflects growing recognition that long-term agricultural growth in Africa will depend heavily on attracting younger generations into farming, agribusiness, technology-driven agriculture and value-added food production.