The Federal Government has renewed its push to reposition agriculture by placing young people at the centre of its strategy, with the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, stating that stronger youth engagement will accelerate growth across the sector and improve food availability nationwide.
Kyari spoke in Abuja while receiving a delegation from the United Nations led by Felipe Paullier.
He explained that expanding opportunities for young Nigerians in farming and agribusiness would not only boost production but also stimulate innovation and strengthen the country’s food system.
According to him, the government is deliberately creating pathways for youth involvement through improved access to finance, supportive policies and an enabling business climate.
He pointed to ongoing reforms designed to open up the agricultural value chain to a new generation of entrepreneurs who can drive productivity and modernize farming practices.
Among the major interventions highlighted by the minister are the rollout of the National Agricultural Development Fund and the planned recapitalization of the Bank of Agriculture to the tune of N1.5 trillion.
He noted that these steps are expected to ease financing constraints, particularly for youth led agribusiness ventures that often struggle to secure affordable credit.
Kyari added that targeted programmes covering mechanization, extension services, and digital tools are being scaled up to equip young farmers with the skills and resources needed to compete effectively.
He also acknowledged the contributions of emerging agripreneurs such as Samson Ogbole, Femi Adekoya, Atinuke Lebile and Azeez Salawu, whose work in areas like soilless farming, drone applications and crop innovation continues to shape the sector.
In his remarks, Paullier said the United Nations youth office was created to strengthen advocacy and coordination around youth issues across member states.
He noted that the office is focused on improving access to land, technology, funding and information while ensuring that young people play a more active role in policy discussions.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi, disclosed that the government has embarked on what he described as the largest mechanization effort in the country’s history.
This includes the procurement of 2,000 tractors and more than 9,000 implements aimed at boosting output and opening up employment opportunities within the agricultural space.
A young agripreneur, Tobi Jeremiah Olanrewaju, also commended ongoing government interventions, noting that access to funding through the development fund alongside the provision of inputs and equipment is beginning to ease some of the long-standing challenges faced by young farmers.
