By Omoyeni Ojeifo
As part of measures to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural value chains and expand market access for young people, the Federal Government is promoting opportunities for youths beyond primary production, with greater focus on value addition, processing and agribusiness.
PerSecondNews correspondent reports that the call was made on Tuesday at the opening of the two-day National Youth Agriculture Summit (NYAS) 2026 in Abuja, themed “Market Access and Value Chain Development: Empowering Youth for Agricultural Prosperity.”
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, represented by Dr. Kwaghe Ayi Vandi stressed the importance of connecting agricultural production to markets.
“Production without market is not sustainable. Access to finance, technology and skills must therefore be connected to real markets and off-takers, while entrepreneurs develop solutions that connect farmers to buyers and reduce losses,” Maiha said.
He urged young Nigerians to explore opportunities beyond conventional livestock production, including feed production, animal health, processing, transportation, marketing, cold-chain services, leather, digital livestock and waste-to-energy.
“Livestock is not only about keeping animals; it is about building businesses around the entire value chain, creating opportunities for youths as producers, entrepreneurs, innovators and investors across the sector.”
Also speaking, the Managing Director/CEO of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC), Yazid Shehu Umar Danfulani, called for stronger collaboration to protect young farmers from risks.
“NAIC is ready to collaborate with the youth and other stakeholders to minimise the risks they face in agriculture and ensure they succeed across the agricultural value chain,” Danfulani said.
He also highlighted the role of agricultural insurance in helping farmers recover from natural hazards and other disruptions.
“Natural hazards such as drought, flooding and disease can disrupt agricultural activities, but when these risks occur, the Corporation ensures affected farmers are compensated so they can return to business,” he added.
In his address, Aminu Ndakogi Kanko, CEO S-noma, urged young Nigerians to treat agriculture as a business and develop the patience and skills needed to navigate its risks.
“Agriculture should be embraced as a business and treated like an office. Like every business, there are ups and downs, so young people need patience, hard work and commitment to succeed,” he noted.
He also told PerSecondNews that the importance of managing risks across the agricultural value chain to protect farmers and sustain production.
“Effective risk management helps minimise losses, protect farmers and strengthen the value chain, ensuring food security, maintaining product quality and supporting stable incomes,” he said.
In an interview with PerSecondNews on the sidelines of the event, the CEO of Agrolinking, Joseph Fashola, called for stronger systems that would enable Nigerian agricultural products to compete in international markets.
“Beyond production, we must ask whether buyers have the purchasing power and whether our products can be trusted. Traceability, standards and the right infrastructure are essential if Nigeria is to trade successfully across borders,” Fashola said.
Also speaking to PerSecondNews, Mrs. Ade Adedeji, Convener Aid Visionary multi purpose cooperative, urged young Nigerians to embrace value addition rather than limiting themselves to the production and export of raw agricultural commodities.
“Young people should see agriculture as a business, not just farming. With the right knowledge, technology, improved seeds, storage and value addition, they can turn agricultural products into profitable businesses,” she said.
Earlier in his keynote address, the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Olanrewaju Ekundayo, explained that the summit was designed to position young agripreneurs as leaders of Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.
“Through this Summit, we seek to empower youth, catalyse innovation and restore agriculture as the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, while unlocking opportunities across agricultural value chains,” Ekundayo said.
He also unveiled the National Young Agriculture School Initiative, which will expose students to innovation challenges, essay competitions, quizzes and practical school gardening.
The two-day summit, brings together government officials, development partners, private-sector representatives, agripreneurs and youth delegates.
The programme also featured the launch of the 210-page National Agricultural SWOT, (Strength , Weaknesses, Opportunities and Strength), Compendium, alongside discussions on market access, value-chain development and state-by-state agricultural strategic planning.
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