July 11, 2025 | Port Harcourt — The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Federal Government, has officially kicked off the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises – Niger Delta (LIFE‑ND) project, allocating a combined $90 million to support agribusiness in Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Imo states. NDDC’s share alone is $30 million, directly funding 12,750 beneficiaries, while IFAD provides $60 million across six additional states .
In the initial phase, the project has begun with community sensitisation and the identification of incubators (trainers) and incubatees (trainees) in the targeted areas. Training is already underway in Rivers, where 364 participants have been selected to focus on value chains such as cassava, plantain, fishery, and poultry.
The LIFE‑ND initiative aims to empower rural youths, women, and persons with disabilities to develop and sustain agribusiness enterprises. Over six years, it targets a total of 38,250 beneficiaries across nine states, enhancing income, food security, and job creation in the region.
A joint statement from NDDC’s Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr. Winifred Madume, and LIFE‑ND Coordinator Abiodun Sanni highlighted how the scheme adopts a master‑apprenticeship model, upskills participants, and provides ongoing technical and financial support to foster sustainable enterprise development.
