By Cynthia Alo

Stakeholders in the agricultural sector have called on young Nigerians to shift their focus from conventional farming and position themselves across the broader agricultural value chain, noting that processing, logistics, technology, trade, and finance represent untapped frontiers that could drive economic transformation in the country.

The charge was made at a youth-focused conference tagged ‘Beyond Farming’, held in Lagos, where experts converged to interrogate opportunities within the agriculture ecosystem and chart practical pathways for youth participation.

Convener of the conference, Chy Nwakanma, said that the most scalable and impactful opportunities lie precisely within those neglected segments.

She noted that young people need clarity on where to start and how to participate, stating, “Agriculture has been narrowly defined, overlooking the vast ecosystem beyond farming, including processing, logistics, trade, technology, and finance.”

“Young people are interested, we are curious, we are willing but many are asking questions like where do I start? What role can I play? How do I move from interest to action?”

She described the ‘Beyond Farming’ platform as a deliberate effort to move the conversation beyond inspiration and into actionable engagement.

Also speaking at the event, Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, declared that the sector has undergone a fundamental reinvention. “Agriculture in 2026 is no longer about horses, commerce, and cultivation. It’s about technology, logistics, finance, climate resilience, innovation, food enterprise, and economic prosperity.”

Olusanya, represented by Gboyega Idris of the ministry’s veterinary department, disclosed that the Lagos State government is accelerating its footprint in this space through the Lagos Central Food Systems and Logistics Engagement Effort, a food logistics and aggregation centre being positioned as one of the largest of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa.

The project, she explained, is designed to slash post-harvest losses, improve food quality standards, and create direct linkages between producers, processors, and consumers.

The commissioner also pointed to the Lagos Agricultural Programme (LAP) as a vehicle through which the state is actively deploying practical training, enterprise support, and internship pipelines for young Nigerians.

According to her, as the agriculture sector evolves, young people must be equipped with the right skills to take advantage of emerging opportunities.

“The future farmer may not necessarily carry a hoe. They may design farm equipment software, develop AI-powered production tools, or create digital marketplaces connecting producers to consumers.”
On his part, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, framed youth participation in agriculture as a matter of national imperative.

Represented by Mariat Soleye, Director and State-Coordinator at the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Maiha stated that Nigeria’s future hinges on deliberate choices made for its young people, its land, and its food system.

The minister noted that the livestock value chain alone holds enormous potential from animal husbandry and processing to logistics and export.

He announced that the federal government is actively pursuing policy reforms and strategic partnerships to lower barriers for youth-led agribusinesses, including improved access to land, credit facilities, and markets.

According to him, the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda which prioritises food security, job creation, and economic diversification.

He also pointed to the government’s deployment of technology and data tools to strengthen livestock productivity and traceability.

Maiha urged young professionals and entrepreneurs to take advantage of the opportunities in agriculture, saying the transformation of Nigeria’s agricultural sector will be driven by the youth’s hunger to succeed.

He encouraged them to start where they are and use what they have.