The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to scaling up the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises – Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) project, aiming to create over 38,250 new agricultural entrepreneurs (agripreneurs) across the region’s nine states.
This pledge was made by NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, during a high-level one-day workshop titled “Scaling Up Youth Agripreneurship for Food Systems Transformation” held at the Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
Key Highlights of the Announcement:
- Target: Train and empower 38,250 rural youths and women as agripreneurs using an incubation model that pairs apprentices with experienced mentors (incubators).
- Focus Areas: Deepen participation in critical agricultural value chains such as rice, cassava, plantain, oil palm, cocoa, poultry, and fisheries.
- NDDC Contribution: The Commission has provided US$30 million in counterpart funding to expand the project to three additional states (Akwa Ibom, Imo, and Rivers), complementing the initial six states funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
- Objectives: Enhance income generation, job creation, food security, and sustainable agribusiness development, while addressing challenges like youth unemployment, food inflation, ageing farmers, climate vulnerabilities, and limited access to finance/technology.
Dr. Ogbuku, represented by Mrs. Mary Nwaeke (Acting Director, NDDC Liaison Office, Abuja), described the LIFE-ND as a “transformative platform” for unlocking economic opportunities and promoting peace and stability in the Niger Delta. He emphasized turning regional challenges into opportunities for a new generation of agripreneurs to revitalize rural economies.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, commended the NDDC and LIFE-ND partners for aligning with national food security goals.
Background on LIFE-ND:
- Jointly funded by the Federal Government, IFAD, NDDC, and participating state governments.
- Covers all nine Niger Delta states: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers.
- Builds on earlier phases that have already supported thousands of beneficiaries with skills, finance, and infrastructure.
This expansion underscores NDDC’s focus on youth empowerment and sustainable development beyond oil dependency in the Niger Delta.
