Date: May 10, 2025
Note from the Editor
Greetings and Welcome to the first edition of Delta-by-Design! This newsletter is dedicated to highlighting the progress, innovation, and resilience of the Niger Delta. Unlike the usual critiques, we focus on what’s working—and what’s next. Our goal is to keep you informed with clear, actionable updates across sectors. Thank you for joining us on this journey to showcase positive change and meaningful development in the region.
— The Delta-by-Design Team
1. Energy & Investment
The Update
ExxonMobil has announced plans to invest $1.5 billion to revitalize the Usan deepwater oilfield in Nigeria’s Niger Delta. This investment, part of a broader strategy to strengthen production capacity, aligns with Nigeria’s new oil production target of 2.6 million barrels per day, up from 1.4 million.
Why It Matters
Oil remains the backbone of the Niger Delta’s economy. This renewed investment could stimulate local job creation and infrastructure development, offering much-needed economic momentum. However, environmental and governance challenges remain key concerns.
What’s Next
ExxonMobil expects to finalize the investment decision by Q3 2025. Close monitoring and strong community engagement will be essential to ensure both economic and environmental benefits.
Source: Reuters, OilPrice
2. Agriculture & Conflict Resolution
The Update
The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) has launched new strategies to mitigate conflicts that disrupt agricultural investments. The initiative includes stakeholder dialogues and conflict-sensitivity training for agribusinesses to foster peace.
Why It Matters
Agriculture holds vast potential in the region, but frequent conflicts have stalled progress. Addressing these conflicts can stabilize farming communities, enhance food security, and attract long-term investment.
What’s Next
Conflict-prevention toolkits and peacebuilding workshops are scheduled to roll out across high-risk zones over the next six months.
Source: BusinessDay
3. Sports & Community Development
The Update
Regional sports championships are making a comeback as a strategic tool to revive grassroots sports in the Niger Delta. These events aim to discover young talent and provide structured development pathways for local athletes.
Why It Matters
Investing in sports offers youth positive alternatives to social vices and builds community cohesion. Local competitions also stimulate micro-economies around sports events.
What’s Next
Plans are in motion to expand these championships across multiple states, with backing from local governments and private sponsors.
Source: The Guardian
4. Climate & Environment
The Update
Over 40 civil society organizations have come together to launch a unified Climate Justice Movement aimed at advocating stronger environmental policies for the Niger Delta. HOMEF has also urged the federal government to declare a state of emergency on the region’s environmental crisis.
Why It Matters
The region continues to suffer from decades of environmental degradation, particularly due to oil pollution. This collective movement signals stronger local advocacy for sustainable environmental reforms.
What’s Next
The coalition is planning a series of rallies and national petitions to demand urgent action and policy changes.
Source: Greenpeace, Vanguard
5. Safety & Security
The Update
A recent report shows a rise in sea piracy incidents across the Niger Delta, marking a troubling trend that threatens both local livelihoods and international shipping routes.
Why It Matters
Maritime insecurity can derail local economies reliant on fishing and transport and discourage foreign investments. Effective security measures are critical for sustained economic activity.
What’s Next
Security agencies are expected to scale up patrols, and stakeholders are advocating for comprehensive maritime safety frameworks.
Source: Foundation for Investigative Journalism
6. Youth & Career Development
The Update
The Tony Blair Institute is offering a new Graduate Associate Internship program aimed at young Nigerian professionals interested in governance and sustainable development.
Why It Matters
This program provides a valuable opportunity to gain practical experience in policy and governance, equipping young professionals with the tools needed to contribute effectively to national development.
What’s Next
Applications are open until June 2025, with placements scheduled to begin in September.
Source: Tony Blair Institute
7. Partnerships & Industry
The Update
Delta State has reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate with Renaissance Africa Energy to advance new energy projects, aiming to diversify the state’s economy and create sustainable employment opportunities.
Why It Matters
Diversifying energy investments beyond oil can spur economic resilience and provide long-term benefits to local communities.
What’s Next
Key stakeholders will meet in late May to finalize timelines and project scopes.
Source: Leadership
For more updates and deep dives, visit nigerdeltaherald.ng.
Start your weekend with Delta-by-Design, the newsletter from the Niger Delta Herald that is dedicated to highlighting the progress, innovation, and resilience of the Niger Delta. Subscribe Now for free to get it delivered straight to your inbox twice a week.
