At mid-term, the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) programme has reached more than 14,155 smallholder entrepreneurs and farmers out of a target of 25,000, marking a significant milestone in an initiative designed to transform agriculture and improve food security across the Niger Delta region. The figure reflects the number of beneficiaries engaged through training, incubation, and enterprise support under the programme, rather than funds disbursed, and highlights the scale of participation recorded so far.
LIFE-ND was established about seven years ago as a special purpose vehicle created to drive food security and agricultural revolution in the Niger Delta. The programme was designed to manage funds raised by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), a United Nations agency, and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). Under the funding structure, IFAD committed $60 million to the programme, while the NDDC provided $30 million, bringing total financing to $90 million.
The Federal Government and IFAD quota came early, allowing projects to commence in six states of the Niger Delta. By contrast, the NDDC’s contribution began coming in tranches in late 2024, enabling implementation to start in the remaining three states. This phased funding arrangement shaped the gradual expansion of LIFE-ND activities across the region.
The Niger Delta is widely known for its abundant natural resources, particularly crude oil and natural gas, which have long dominated its economic narrative. Beyond hydrocarbons, the region is also endowed with some of Nigeria’s most fertile land. Despite this natural advantage, experts note that many residents have not enjoyed the full benefits of the region’s resources, a situation largely attributed to decades of environmental degradation.
Before oil assumed centre stage in Nigeria’s economy, agriculture was the backbone of livelihoods in the Niger Delta. More than 95 per cent of the region’s population was engaged in farming and fishing. However, since Shell struck oil in Oloibiri in 1956, oil spills have repeatedly polluted water bodies and farmlands, while gas flaring has released harmful emissions into the air. These developments have steadily eroded traditional livelihoods, particularly for farmers and fishermen.
Nigeria’s growing dependence on crude oil revenue has further weakened agriculture nationwide. According to Ifeatu Agbu, a communications expert attached to the NDDC, this dependence resulted in inadequate investment in the agricultural sector over the years, despite its potential to support employment, food production, and export earnings.
To address this imbalance, the Federal Government and several of its agencies have intensified efforts to revive agriculture. These efforts are aimed at enabling Nigeria to produce enough food to feed its population, supply raw materials to local industries, and generate surplus for export. LIFE-ND was introduced in 2019 as part of this broader strategy to reposition agriculture as a driver of inclusive growth.
The objective of LIFE-ND is to enhance income, improve food security, and create jobs for rural youth and women through sustainable agri-enterprise development in the Niger Delta. The programme is structured to move beneficiaries away from subsistence farming into commercial and sustainable agricultural practices capable of delivering long-term economic benefits.
The $90 million LIFE-ND programme, jointly financed by IFAD, the Federal Government, and the NDDC, promotes projects designed to shift Niger Deltans toward commercial farming and agribusiness. Rather than a one-off empowerment exercise, the programme emphasises training, incubation, mentorship, and gradual enterprise development.
According to Abiodun Sanni, the National Project Coordinator of LIFE-ND, the programme’s implementation period is structured into two phases of six years each. He explained that the project effectively kicked off in 2020, with the first phase designed to run from 2019 to 2025.
Sanni said that noticeable changes in agricultural practices across the Niger Delta are already evident. He described the programme as “an eloquent testimony of the Federal Government’s concern and determination to create a massive impact in the Niger Delta,” noting that beneficiaries are increasingly adopting improved farming and business methods.
He said the success recorded in the initial six states provided a strong foundation for expansion into newly funded states such as Akwa Ibom, Imo, and Rivers. The first set of states, funded through IFAD support, include Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Ondo.
Explaining the scale of activities in these states, Sanni said, “For the six states where LIFE-ND has already taken root, we have seen results that are nothing short of inspiring—10 LGAs per state, 10 communities per LGA, each one a testament to the possibilities when we cultivate the right partnerships and persevere in the face of challenges.”
He added that a mid-term assessment of the programme shows encouraging progress. “A mid-term assessment of the LIFE-ND programme indicates that many stakeholders are satisfied that the project has impacted more than 50 per cent of its target beneficiaries and has significantly reversed negative narratives about the Niger Delta,” Sanni said.
To build on these gains, the NDDC and IFAD on September 13, 2024, launched the LIFE-ND project in Akwa Ibom, Imo, and Rivers states. The launch brought these states into the programme alongside the six already participating states.
Speaking at the launch in Port Harcourt, the Managing Director of the NDDC, Samuel Ogbuku, said the LIFE-ND programme aligns with the priorities of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which recently declared a state of emergency on agriculture.
Ogbuku said, “This project is not just ploughing through the fields of agribusiness. It is breaking new ground, cultivating opportunities for wealth and stability. And as we launch this initiative, we are ushering in new possibilities.”
He noted that agribusiness had previously seemed out of reach for many in the region. “In the past, agribusiness seemed out of reach for many. But today, we bridge that gap, opening the doors to entrepreneurship, financial independence, and sustainable livelihoods,” he said.
According to Ogbuku, the NDDC stands as a co-sponsor of the initiative alongside the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, with IFAD providing support. He said the LIFE-ND project is expected to transform the lives of over 38,000 direct beneficiaries, with additional indirect benefits reaching many more people across the Niger Delta.
“We are reaffirming our commitment to ensuring that our youth and women not only participate in the economy but lead the charge building businesses that uplift their families, their communities, and their futures,” Ogbuku said.
He described the partnership with IFAD as a strong and enduring collaboration. “The partnership with IFAD is a strong vine, one that will continue to grow and bear fruit. With IFAD’s $60 million investment and NDDC’s $30 million contribution, we are fertilising the ground for a brighter future,” he said.
According to him, the essence of LIFE-ND is to enhance income and livelihoods, provide food security, and create jobs on a sustainable basis throughout the region.
As part of routine oversight, officials of the NDDC and LIFE-ND recently inspected agricultural incubation centres in Akwa Ibom, Imo, and Rivers states to evaluate the programme’s performance in rural communities.
During an inspection of Megalakes Farms in Ogu Town, Rivers State, Winifred Madume, Director of Agriculture and Fisheries at the NDDC, said the exercise was aimed at assessing implementation. “This oversight function is to ensure that the training is on track with its mandate,” she said.
Madume added that the NDDC’s commitment to counterpart funding and rural economic transformation aligns with the agricultural development objectives of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. She explained that the inspection allowed officials to engage directly with incubatees across different batches and identify areas for improvement.
She said the three-day inspection covered incubation centres in Delta, Imo, and Akwa Ibom states and involved collaboration among the NDDC, IFAD, the Federal Government, and participating state governments.
Abi Morris, Special Assistant on Agriculture to the NDDC Managing Director, expressed satisfaction with the level of implementation and the enthusiasm displayed by young agripreneurs. He made this observation during a visit to a training centre in Sogho, Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
“This programme is a clear demonstration of development in action. It goes beyond training to unlocking livelihoods and reshaping mindsets. The Commission will continue to support initiatives that equip our youth with the skills and resources to succeed. We have taken note of the challenges faced by these young agripreneurs and ensured that necessary adjustments are made,” Morris said.
Beneficiaries have also shared their experiences. In Sogho, Rivers State, Nzhu Salome thanked the NDDC for the initiative, noting that the programme equipped her with the knowledge and funding needed to establish her own garri marketing enterprise.
During oversight activities in Imo State, Tonye Frank-Oputu, Director II, Agriculture and Fisheries at the NDDC, emphasised the importance of the initiative while commending incubatees for their progress. “The incubatees have shown sheer dedication and have achieved a lot so far. Their progress is clear evidence that the opportunities provided under the LIFE-ND programme are being effectively utilised,” he said.
Also in Imo State, Ibigineh Doreen, an incubatee at Ibiasoegbe in Oru West Local Government Area, commended the programme for significantly improving her fish farming venture.
In Akwa Ibom State, Oretan Adebowale, a Director in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, urged beneficiaries in Adiasim Ikot Essin in Essien Udim LGA to apply the knowledge gained to drive sustainable agriculture in their communities. “From our interactions and observations, it is evident that the incubation model is efficient,” he said.
Another incubatee, Ohaka Emmanuel, thanked the NDDC and the Federal Government for the initiative and expressed gratitude for being selected for the third batch. He said, “This training has given me the opportunity to learn fish production, processing and marketing. I also appreciate my incubator for the knowledge acquired.”
For Victor Antai, the NDDC Executive Director, Projects, LIFE-ND represents a coordinated effort to tackle community challenges and harness opportunities for growth. He said the partnership with IFAD has been central to improving agricultural productivity in the region.
“Our partnership with IFAD has been instrumental in empowering our farmers and enhancing agricultural productivity. This partnership dates back to 2005 when NDDC supported an initiative of the Federal government with a matching fund with IFAD in the sum of $15 million for the Community Based Natural Resource Management Programme – Niger Delta,” Antai said.
Speaking on the programme’s progress, IFAD Country Director Dede Ekoue said, “At mid-term, the programme planned to reach 25,000 small holder entrepreneurs and farmers has already reached 14,155 and more.”
She added that LIFE-ND has been selected to share its experience at the West and Central Africa level, noting that innovation is a key feature of the programme. “One of the innovations is introducing Information Communication Technology for supporting rural farming for development,” she said.
Ekoue described the collaboration with the NDDC as a success and reaffirmed IFAD’s commitment to the programme. “I would like to reiterate that IFAD remains a steadfast partner in supporting the development of sustainable rural livelihoods in the Niger Delta region and Nigeria as a whole,” she said.
She added, “We are confident that, through continued collaboration and innovation, LIFE-ND will continue to empower rural communities and contribute to a more prosperous, food-secure future for all.”
Ekoue also commended the NDDC for fulfilling its financial obligations to the initiative. “We appreciate the dedication of NDDC to strengthening partnerships among all stakeholders to transform lives, create prosperity, and foster sustainable development for the people of the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole. LIFE-ND is one of IFAD’s best-performing projects,” she said.
Observers say success stories are already emerging across the Niger Delta, with beneficiaries establishing enterprises and adopting improved agricultural practices. Many believe the programme’s continued expansion will further strengthen food security systems in the region and gradually reduce dependence on oil and gas as the primary economic drivers.
