As part of efforts to transform the Niger Delta into Nigeria’s leading food hub, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) over the weekend convened agricultural stakeholders and experts for a two-day strategic retreat in Port Harcourt.
The retreat, themed “Niger Delta Critical Stakeholders’ Agenda Setting on Unlocking Agricultural Potential of the Region,” brought together Commissioners of Agriculture and Permanent Secretaries from the nine Niger Delta states to develop actionable strategies for sustainable agricultural growth.
Addressing participants, NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to driving food production through sustainable development and regional collaboration.
He stressed that agriculture remains the most reliable path to economic stability, peace, and food security in the region.
Ogbuku disclosed that discussions were underway with the Origin Group to establish a regional food hub that would integrate value chains and promote large-scale processing and export across the Niger Delta.
He recalled that before the discovery of oil, the Niger Delta was known for its thriving agricultural economy, noting that a return to the sector would ensure inclusive and lasting prosperity.
NDDC Executive Director of Projects, Dr. Victor Antai, described the retreat as a “call to action,” urging participants to take concrete steps towards agricultural transformation. He noted that with vast arable land and rich waterways, the Niger Delta has the resources to become Nigeria’s next agricultural powerhouse.
In separate remarks, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Offiong Offor, highlighted her state’s advantage in palm cultivation, while her Bayelsa counterpart, Prof. Tubokiye Sese, outlined ongoing efforts to support farmers with inputs, equipment, and land-clearing initiatives.
The NDDC Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr. Winifred Madume, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to implementing sustainable agricultural and fisheries programmes across the region.
The retreat also endorsed plans to hold a regional agricultural summit in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on food security.
Ogbuku further noted that the NDDC, in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), is implementing the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises (LIFE-ND) project to enhance income, food security, and job creation for youths and women across the region.
He added that the $90 million initiative, co-funded by IFAD, the Federal Government, and the NDDC, is helping to shift Niger Deltans from subsistence to commercial farming, with over 38,000 direct beneficiaries.
According to him, the Commission has also trained 200 women and youths in livestock farming and agro-processing, and recently celebrated a mechanised rice harvest in Warrake, Edo State — a milestone he said demonstrates the region’s readiness to reclaim its place as Nigeria’s agricultural heartland.
