The Federal Government, in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), has announced plans to strengthen end-to-end agricultural value chain development across the Niger Delta under the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises Project in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND).

The initiative will focus on expanding production, processing, packaging, and export readiness as part of efforts to drive inclusive economic growth, food security, and sustainable livelihoods in the region by 2026.

Speaking during the New Year commemorations in Abuja, the National Project Coordinator of FG/NDDC/IFAD-LIFE-ND, Dr Abiodun Sanni, stated that the project remains committed to transforming rural economies through agribusiness development and youth-led enterprise growth.

“Our vision for 2026 is to transform the rural economy of the Niger Delta by ensuring prosperity and equitable benefits through sustainable agribusiness and value addition across commodity value chains,” Sanni said.

He explained that LIFE-ND would continue to support agripreneurs through improved access to finance, incubation programmes, modern storage facilities, cold-chain logistics, and structured market linkages to boost productivity and profitability.

Sanni noted that climate-smart agriculture would remain a core priority, with increased emphasis on agroecology, soil health, water-use efficiency, and reduced post-harvest losses. 

These measures, he stated, are essential for building resilience against climate change while improving food production and rural incomes.

The project also plans to scale digital agriculture tools, including e-extension services, online marketplaces, and data-driven advisory platforms, to enhance market access, traceability, and product quality.

According to him, youth, women, and marginalised groups will remain central to the programme, with expanded training, mentorship, and leadership opportunities designed to promote inclusive participation across the agribusiness value chain.

LIFE-ND will further strengthen value-chain development through expanded incubation centres, improved business development services, and enhanced access to finance. 

The project will also support cooperative development, enabling farmers and agripreneurs to benefit from collective marketing and stronger bargaining power.

Sanni said the programme would deepen partnerships with government agencies, financial institutions, private sector players, and development organisations to ensure sustainability and long-term impact.

Reflecting on achievements in 2025, he noted that the project successfully expanded training and mentorship for young agripreneurs, improved product quality, strengthened market access, and enhanced financial inclusion across participating states.

The LIFE-ND coordinator announced that 2026 will feature expanded processing centres, regional agribusiness showcases, and stronger linkages to national and international markets to improve competitiveness and export readiness.

He added that improved monitoring and evaluation systems would guide implementation, ensure accountability, and inform policy decisions across the agricultural sector.

Sanni commended all stakeholders, including incubatees, incubators, development partners, government agencies, and financial institutions, for their contributions to the programme’s success, urging continued collaboration to deepen impact.

He concluded by reaffirming LIFE-ND’s commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and market-driven agricultural economy that empowers youth, strengthens rural livelihoods, and supports sustainable development across the Niger Delta.

Source: NAN