FG, IFAD begin implementation of agric project for oil producing states

The Federal Government, in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has commenced the implementation of the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises Project in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) to create jobs and reduce youth restiveness. The project would be implemented in the nine oil-producing states of Abia, […]

The Federal Government, in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has commenced the implementation of the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises Project in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) to create jobs and reduce youth restiveness.

The project would be implemented in the nine oil-producing states of Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Sabo Nanono, who was represented by the permanent secretary in the ministry, Mohammed Umar, said the project was part of Federal Government’s drive to diversify the nation’s export earnings and its economic growth strategy.

He said the Federal Government had identified cassava, plantain, rice, fish, cocoa, oil palm and poultry as the agricultural commodities for implementation in the LIFE-ND project.

The acting managing director of the NDDC, Joi Nunieh, said the LIFE-ND would transform the economy of the Niger Delta.

Represented by George Ero, the NDDC director of agriculture and fisheries, Mrs Nunieh, said the commission would provide 30million U.S dollars (N10.89 billion) as part of its counterpart fund for the project.