FG Unveils $500 Million Fund To Drive Niger Delta Agribusiness, Food Security
Investment Initiative to Unlock Regional Potential
THE Federal Government has launched a $500 million Niger Delta Agricultural Investment Fund to stimulate large-scale investment in agriculture, promote food security and diversify economic activities across the Niger Delta.
Vice President Kashim Shettima unveiled the initiative during the Niger Delta Agricultural Development and Investment Summit held in Abuja, describing the programme as a significant step towards repositioning agriculture as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic development.
He said the fund demonstrates the region’s commitment to expanding beyond its traditional dependence on oil by investing in sustainable agricultural production.
Focus on Value Addition & Rural Development
According to the Vice President, the fund will provide commercial financing across key agricultural sectors, including aquaculture, rice cultivation, cocoa, cassava, oil palm, livestock, horticulture and marine resources.
He explained that the initiative has been designed to support viable investment projects throughout the agricultural value chain while encouraging greater participation from private investors and international development partners.
The programme will also prepare bankable projects across the nine Niger Delta states to improve agricultural productivity, create employment opportunities and stimulate rural economic development.
Building on National Food Security Policies
Shettima said the investment fund aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s broader agricultural reform agenda, which prioritises mechanisation, increased food production and improved market access.
He noted that initiatives such as the 10,000-tractor Renewed Hope Agricultural Mechanisation Programme, local tractor assembly projects and other agricultural interventions are intended to strengthen Nigeria’s food system and reduce dependence on imports.
The Vice President stressed that achieving sustainable food security requires coordinated action from governments, financial institutions, investors and development agencies.
Stakeholders Urged to Sustain Momentum
Calling for greater collaboration, Shettima urged state governments, financial institutions and private investors to actively support the implementation of the fund and transform commitments into measurable outcomes.
Minister of Regional Development Abubakar Momoh also emphasised that agriculture remains a key pillar of Nigeria’s regional development strategy, noting that unlocking the sector’s potential will improve livelihoods, empower young people and women, and attract new investments into the Niger Delta.
He maintained that lasting economic transformation would depend on strong partnerships between government and the private sector, with agriculture serving as a catalyst for sustainable and inclusive growth.
