By Olugbenga Salami
The Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises, LIFE programme is one of Nigeria’s most strategic tools for tackling rural poverty, unemployment and food insecurity in the Niger Delta and the country as a whole, its national coordinator, Dr Abiodun Sanni, has said.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Sanni described LIFE as a shift from subsistence farming to enterprise‑driven agribusiness across the Niger Delta.
The project, according to him, is a joint effort of the Federal Government, the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC and the International Fund for Agricultural Development, IFAD, adding that it focuses on youths and women in rural communities, groups often excluded from mainstream economic opportunities.
“LIFE is more than agriculture; it is a platform for economic empowerment, social inclusion and sustainable development,” Sanni said.
Since launching in February 2019, he disclosed that the scheme has operated in Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Ondo, with NDDC funding extending work to Akwa Ibom, Imo and Rivers States.
Sanni listed its goal as to raise incomes, boost food security and create jobs by building viable agri‑enterprises and curbing youth unrest.
After six years, he said the project posted measurable results and secured $32 million in additional financing for a three‑year expansion from March 2025.
The coordinator added that LIFE prioritises high‑potential value chains—rice, cassava, plantain, oil palm, cocoa, poultry and fisheries.
“Gender inclusion is central, with women forming a significant share of empowered participants,“ Sanni noted.
The new phase, according to him, would reach over 13,000 incubates and deliver business services to more than 51,000 beneficiaries.
“This expansion is strategic to deepen impact, scale innovation and strengthen institutions,” he said.
The coordinator disclosed that a joint supervision mission across participating states, including Edo, is set to assess progress and guide implementation, adding that it would also amplify achievements, boost partnerships and enhance accountability among stakeholders.
