NDDC, IFAD Inject $90m into Niger Delta Agriculture to Empower 22m Youths; Akwa Ibom Government Excited

A combined investment of $90 million ($140 billion) from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is set to revolutionize agriculture in the Niger Delta, creating a sustainable economic base for the region’s 22 million youths across nine states.

The NDDC has allocated $30 million (N45 billion) to fund the project through the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises Project in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) across three state: Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Imo.

Cross section of participants

Meanwhile, IFAD has provided $60 million (N93 billion) as a soft loan to the Federal Government to cover the remaining six states. State governments are also contributing financially to the initiative.

The primary goal of the program is to generate viable economic opportunities and uplift the livelihoods of rural youth in the oil-rich region.

Rivers State has chosen to focus on fishery, plantain, cassava, and poultry; Imo State is prioritizing rice, cassava, fishery, and poultry; while Akwa Ibom has selected oil palm, fishery, cassava, and poultry.

The widespread focus on cassava, fishery, and poultry suggests that the region could emerge as a production hub for these commodities, supplying both local and international markets.

With Nigeria facing a 16-million-metric-ton fish supply deficit, coastal states are positioning themselves to tap into this market.

This initiative presents a significant opportunity to expand fishery production in the Niger Delta with strong backing from the IFAD/NDDC scheme.

Permanent Secretary of the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Rosemary Ubia emphasized the strategic importance of the initiative.

“By focusing on oil palm, fisheries, cassava, and poultry, this project places Akwa Ibom in a prime position, as we are already major producers of these key agricultural commodities,” she said.

She highlighted that the initiative is designed to support rural youth, female-headed households, and individuals with disabilities.

Ubia also noted that it aligns with Governor Umo Eno’s call for increased agricultural engagement to enhance food security through improved inputs and skills training.

Each Niger Delta state is contributing 4,250 participants to the scheme, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 38,250 across the nine oil-producing states. These participants are expected to serve as catalysts for broader economic growth, impacting the lives of the 22 million youths in the region.

Ubia revealed that the first batch comprises 350 trainees (incubatees) and 32 trainers (incubators), totaling 382 individuals.

She commended the enthusiasm of participants and expressed gratitude to Governor Eno for endorsing the project, as it aligns with the state’s ‘ARISE’ agenda for development.

Ubia reiterated that agriculture is a key driver of development and a critical component of the government’s food security agenda, noting that the LIFE-ND program directly supports Nigeria’s Green Alternative Roadmap for Agriculture and the Strategic Framework for Youth Empowerment and Job Creation.

Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Akwa Ibom State, Evong Evong

NDDC State Director for Akwa Ibom, Evong Evong, stated that the initiative aims to enhance employment in the region. “As part of our mandate, the NDDC is collaborating with various agencies to ensure resources are channeled towards empowering youths through agriculture,” he said.

National Project Coordinator of LIFE-ND, Abiodun Sanni represented by the program’s Agribusiness Coordinator, Antonia Esenwa explained that the training process will begin with an orientation before participants undergo hands-on instruction in smaller groups.

“The incubator model is the most effective approach for youth development. Unlike other models that provide funds upfront, this initiative prioritizes training before equipping participants”.

Akwa Ibom State Project Coordinator, Solomon Joe, described the initiative as a pathway to entrepreneurship.

“This training will enhance participants’ livelihoods as they gain practical skills and resources for sustainable agricultural ventures”.

A seasoned agripreneur in cassava processing, palm oil production, and poultry farming, Goodness Etiutom expressed enthusiasm for the initiative. “Government alone cannot provide jobs for everyone; entrepreneurs must drive economic growth,” he remarked.

CEO of Signature Agro & Allied Services Ltd in Essien Udim LGA, Okpongette Akpan, stated that he will be training 20 youths in agribusiness.

He was particularly excited about the program’s potential to lift young people off the streets. “This support will enable us to expand our farms and increase production”.