After 6 years delay, NDDC kickstarts LIFE-ND agro empowerment for three states
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has officially launched a long-awaited $30 million agro-empowerment program aimed at supporting 12,750 beneficiaries across Rivers, Imo, and Akwa Ibom states. This initiative is part of the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) project, a broader agribusiness development scheme designed to foster economic growth, ensure food security, and generate employment in the region.
Originally conceived in 2019 through a partnership between the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Federal Government (FG) of Nigeria, the LIFE-ND project sought to establish 38,250 rural youths, women, and physically challenged individuals in sustainable agribusiness enterprises. With a total project cost of $97.8 million, the program’s first phase—running from 2019 to 2025—received a $60 million contribution from IFAD to engage 25,500 beneficiaries across six states. However, due to funding delays, NDDC’s $30 million commitment to Rivers, Imo, and Akwa Ibom was stalled, postponing implementation in these states.
With IFAD-backed states—Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, Edo, Delta, and Ondo—having completed their initial phase within the scheduled timeframe, NDDC has finally commenced the program in the three delayed states. The first batch of 364 beneficiaries in Rivers State has been enrolled, selected from an initial pool of 1,568 applicants, signaling a long-awaited breakthrough for agripreneurs in the region.
At the recent orientation event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State Project Coordinator, Mr. Loveday Itatat, emphasized the rigorous selection process and the importance of the program to agribusiness development. NDDC Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr. Winifred Madume, highlighted the focus on Fishery, Plantain, Cassava, and Poultry agribusiness, with industry experts serving as incubators to mentor trainees in an apprenticeship-like model.
Speaking at the event, Rivers State’s Permanent Secretary for Agriculture, Maurice Ogolo, commended the state government’s commitment to the project, emphasizing agriculture’s critical role in community sustenance and economic transformation. National Project Coordinator, Abiodun Sanni, reinforced the program’s goal of fostering agribusiness innovation, youth empowerment, and rural economic development.
Both incubators and incubatees expressed enthusiasm, pledging their commitment to leveraging the opportunity for long-term success.
Source: Vanguard
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
With the LIFE-ND project finally kicking off in Rivers, Imo, and Akwa Ibom, several critical lessons and opportunities emerge for stakeholders across the agribusiness value chain. While this initiative presents a positive step towards youth empowerment and food security, it also highlights institutional challenges and the need for private-sector-driven solutions. Below are key insights for policymakers, agribusiness investors, and entrepreneurs.
- Incubation Model for Sustainable Agribusiness
The mentorship-based approach of the LIFE-ND project aligns with best practices in agribusiness development. By pairing experienced agribusiness operators (incubators) with new entrants (incubatees), the programme fosters practical learning, entrepreneurship, and long-term success.
Stakeholders, including financial institutions and private investors, should explore partnerships to scale this model beyond the NDDC initiative. - Addressing Delayed Agro-Interventions
The six-year funding delay highlights inefficiencies in public-sector project execution, which can stall critical agribusiness growth. Moving forward, NDDC and other intervention agencies must establish clear accountability frameworks to ensure timely disbursement of funds.
Private-sector involvement can serve as a buffer against government-related delays, ensuring continuity in agribusiness support programmes. - Focus on Value Chain Development
The targeted commodities—fishery, plantain, cassava, and poultry—align with key agribusiness opportunities in the Niger Delta. However, for long-term impact, there must be a strong focus on processing, marketing, and export potential rather than just primary production.
Agribusiness players should explore value addition, cold-chain logistics, and market linkages to maximize economic benefits. - The Role of Technology and Digital Extension Services
To enhance mentorship and knowledge sharing, digital platforms should be integrated into the incubation model. Mobile apps, virtual training, and social media engagement can bridge the gap between rural agripreneurs and industry experts.
Agritech startups can collaborate with LIFE-ND and IFAD to introduce digital tools for farm management, financial literacy, and market access.
The launch of the LIFE-ND agro-empowerment programme in Rivers, Imo, and Akwa Ibom marks a significant step towards agriculture-led economic recovery in the Niger Delta. However, long-term sustainability will depend on efficient project execution, private-sector collaboration, and strong market-driven approaches. Agribusiness stakeholders must leverage this opportunity to build resilient value chains and empower a new generation of agripreneurs.
