IFAD Transforms Lives in Niger Delta, Empowering 26,000 Nigerians Through $30 Million Agribusiness Initiative

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has empowered 26,000 Nigerians through the first phase of its $30 million Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises, Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) project, officials revealed on Thursday.

Speaking during the 5th Supervision Mission of the LIFE-ND project, IFAD Country Director, Dede Ekoue, highlighted that the initiative is designed to equip youths and women in the Niger Delta with practical agribusiness skills, using an innovative incubation model. “Through incubation, participants emerge as fully-fledged business owners, capable of establishing agricultural ventures that are linked to viable markets,” Ekoue said.

She emphasised that food sovereignty in Nigeria cannot be achieved without harnessing the potential of youth, who make up the largest segment of the population. “LIFE-ND is delivering transformative agricultural skills to young people while generating income, creating jobs, and fostering sustainable development,” she added.

Women, according to Ekoue, remain central to the programme’s objectives, as they play key roles in food production, processing, nutrition, and ensuring food security.

National Coordinator of LIFE-ND, Dr. Abiodun Sanni, noted that the project’s first phase has reached six states—Ondo, Edo, Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Delta benefiting youths, women, agro-entrepreneurs, and persons with disabilities. Dr. Sanni added that the ongoing phase has already enrolled 4,380 new beneficiaries, furthering the project’s transformative agenda in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Stella Manureh, representing the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), praised the initiative as a shared commitment to enhancing food security and improving livelihoods across the region. “IFAD’s investment strengthens accountability, transparency, and long-term prosperity for the Niger Delta people,” she stated.

The LIFE-ND project demonstrates a successful model for agribusiness development, combining skill-building, entrepreneurship, and market integration to empower communities, create jobs, and support sustainable economic growth in Nigeria.