FG, FAO Strengthen Partnership to Unlock Youth Potential in Agriculture
By Sarah Kitka
The Federal Ministry of Youth Development has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening strategic collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to empower Nigerian youths and expand their participation in the agricultural sector.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. (Mrs.) Maryam Keshinro, stated this while receiving a delegation from FAO Nigeria at her office in Abuja.
Speaking on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, Dr. Keshinro noted that Nigerian youths possess immense energy, creativity, and innovation that can be harnessed to drive national development, particularly in agriculture.
She emphasized that Nigeria’s youthful population estimated at about 70 percent represents a significant demographic advantage that can accelerate economic growth if supported through targeted investments and structured skills development programmes.
Despite the country’s vast arable land and large youth population, she observed that many young Nigerians remain underutilized in productive sectors such as agriculture.
The Permanent Secretary commended FAO for its longstanding partnership with Nigeria in advancing agricultural development, noting that the country stands to benefit greatly from the organisation’s global expertise and experience.
She further highlighted the persistent mismatch between skills supply and labour market demand, especially in agriculture, where technical knowledge and practical competencies remain limited among many 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 stated.
Dr. Keshinro stressed the importance of sustained partnerships with development organisations to bridge the skills gap, expand opportunities for young Nigerians, and boost their participation in agriculture and other productive sectors.
In her remarks, Mr. Tofiq Braimah, Programme Officer at FAO Nigeria, said the initiative aims to drive youth engagement in agriculture and position young people as active contributors to national development.
She noted that young people represent the strength and future of every nation, emphasizing that investing in their participation in agriculture is critical to achieving sustainable food systems, economic growth, and job creation.
Braimah added that collaboration with the Ministry would strengthen ongoing efforts to empower Nigerian youths by equipping them with the skills, resources, and opportunities needed to thrive in agriculture and agribusiness.
