The National Food Systems Task Team, in collaboration with key stakeholders, has unveiled Nigeria’s first comprehensive Youth Mapping Report, highlighting the roles and contributions of over 6,000 young Nigerians across the country’s food systems.
The landmark report was launched on Wednesday during the inaugural Youth in Food Systems Convening held in Abuja. The event was themed: “Empowering the Future: Unleashing Youth Potential for Resilient and Sustainable Food Systems Transformation in Nigeria.”
Azeez Salawu, National Youth Lead for the UN Food Systems Summit (UNFSS) Nigeria, described the report as a catalyst for youth-led transformation in Nigeria’s agricultural and food sectors.
“This report is a blueprint for action, a compass for investment, and a call for systems-level reform. It is a space to convene voices, spotlight success, reward excellence, and ignite bold partnerships,” he stated.
Salawu noted that this is the first large-scale initiative in Nigeria to comprehensively document the roles of young people in the food system, spanning production, policy, innovation, and investment. According to the report, over 50 percent of respondents are actively managing agribusiness ventures.
However, he pointed out several challenges facing youth in the sector, including limited access to land, financing, storage infrastructure, and market linkages. He also emphasized the growing role of young Nigerians in climate-smart agriculture, digital platforms, and supply chain innovations.
“This report is not just for the shelves,” Salawu added. “It will be showcased next week at the UNFSS Stocktaking Moment in Ethiopia, signaling Nigeria’s commitment to youth empowerment through evidence-based programming and policy.”
Dr. Sanjo Faniran, National Convenor of UNFSS Nigeria, stressed that Nigeria’s food security future depends heavily on its youth, who represent 60 percent of the population.
“Young people are not just participants they are trailblazers in production, processing, marketing, research, and innovation,” he said. “Unlocking their potential is a national imperative.”
Presenting the report findings, Adekunle Adeoye, Youth Representative on the National Task Team, said the study surveyed individuals aged 15 to 45 and evaluated their involvement across the agricultural value chain.
He noted that while national policies encourage youth entrepreneurship in agriculture, there has been little empirical data to measure real engagement until now.
“This report fills a critical gap and offers evidence to guide inclusive, actionable policy and support programmes tailored to the needs and diversity of youth-led agribusinesses,” Adeoye said.
The report is expected to shape the country’s approach to the upcoming UNFSS+4 process and reinforce Nigeria’s positioning as a leader in youth-driven food system transformation.