Minister Kyari Urges Greater Investment in Youths to Boost Food Production in Nigeria
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has called for increased investment in young people as a critical step toward improving food production and ensuring long-term food security in Nigeria and across Africa.
Speaking at a stakeholders' engagement on agriculture and food systems, Kyari said the continent must prioritize empowering its youthful population with the skills, technology, financing, and opportunities needed to drive agricultural transformation.
According to the minister, Africa possesses vast arable land and a growing youth population capable of revolutionizing food production if governments, development partners, and the private sector invest strategically in the next generation of farmers and agribusiness entrepreneurs.
He stressed that agriculture should no longer be viewed as a subsistence activity but as a modern, technology-driven business capable of creating millions of jobs while strengthening national economies.
Kyari noted that Nigeria's food security agenda depends largely on attracting more young people into agriculture through improved access to land, mechanization, quality inputs, irrigation, digital farming technologies, and affordable financing.
He explained that equipping young Nigerians with modern agricultural knowledge and innovation would not only increase food production but also reduce unemployment, improve rural livelihoods, and boost the country's agricultural exports.
The minister further emphasized that climate change, population growth, and rising food demand require innovative solutions driven by skilled and technologically empowered young people. He called for stronger collaboration between governments, financial institutions, research organizations, and private investors to support youth-led agricultural enterprises.
According to Kyari, investing in youth is essential to building resilient food systems that can withstand future economic and environmental challenges while ensuring sufficient food supply for Nigeria's growing population.
He also highlighted the Federal Government's ongoing efforts to modernize the agricultural sector through various initiatives aimed at increasing productivity, supporting farmers, improving value chains, and enhancing food availability across the country.
Stakeholders at the event echoed the minister's position, noting that many young Nigerians are increasingly embracing agribusiness, precision farming, agricultural technology, food processing, and other innovative areas within the sector. However, they stressed that greater access to funding, mentorship, infrastructure, and market opportunities remains essential for sustained growth.
Agriculture remains one of Nigeria's largest employers and continues to play a significant role in the country's economy. Experts believe that increasing youth participation in the sector could accelerate economic diversification, reduce food imports, and strengthen national food security.
Kyari urged policymakers, investors, and development partners to continue supporting programmes that empower young farmers, encourage agricultural innovation, and make farming more attractive to the next generation.
He expressed confidence that with sustained investment in youth and modern agricultural practices, Nigeria can significantly increase food production, enhance self-sufficiency, and contribute more effectively to Africa's broader food security goals.