We’ll Transform Niger Delta into Nigeria’s Food Hub Through Sustainable Agriculture, Pledges NDDC
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming the Niger Delta region into Nigeria’s leading food hub through sustainable agricultural initiatives, regional partnerships, and stakeholder collaboration.
Speaking during a recent stakeholders’ meeting, the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, said the commission was aligning its agricultural agenda with President Bola Tinubu’s broader economic reforms aimed at food security, job creation, and rural development.
He noted that the Niger Delta, long known for its oil wealth, possesses vast untapped agricultural potential that could drive national growth if properly harnessed.
According to Ogbuku, the NDDC is working closely with state governments, international partners, and private investors to implement modern, technology-driven agricultural projects that will empower farmers and enhance productivity across the region.
“Our goal is to make the Niger Delta a major contributor to Nigeria’s food supply through sustainable agricultural practices, innovation, and inclusive partnerships,” he said.
The NDDC chief explained that part of the commission’s strategy includes the ongoing Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises – Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) project, jointly implemented with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Federal Government. The initiative focuses on empowering youths and women through agribusiness training, access to financing, and support for value-chain development in key crops and livestock production.
As part of its renewed commitment, the NDDC has pledged $5 million to scale up the LIFE-ND programme in Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Imo states, with plans to extend similar interventions to other parts of the region. The commission also announced plans to establish agricultural clusters, introduce modern farming technologies, and improve storage and processing facilities to reduce post-harvest losses.
Ogbuku stressed that collaboration among Niger Delta states would be critical to achieving this transformation. He revealed that the commission is convening an agriculture retreat for state commissioners and stakeholders to harmonize development strategies and promote regional integration.
“Agriculture is not only a tool for economic diversification but also a pathway to peace and stability in the Niger Delta,” Ogbuku added, emphasizing that job creation and food security would help reduce social unrest in the region.
The NDDC’s agricultural roadmap also highlights partnerships with research institutions and agritech firms to promote biotechnology, mechanized farming, and data-driven decision-making for better productivity.
Observers have described the commission’s initiative as a timely shift from oil dependency to a more diversified economy. However, some analysts have called for transparency, measurable targets, and community engagement to ensure the initiative delivers tangible benefits.
If successfully implemented, the programme could position the Niger Delta as a key contributor to Nigeria’s food security and economic diversification agenda, turning a region once known for environmental challenges into a model of sustainable development.
