The nine Niger Delta states are backing efforts to build a stronger regional investment system that could increase agricultural production, attract private investors and reduce the region’s heavy dependence on oil.
The development comes as stakeholders prepare for the Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit, scheduled to take place in Port Harcourt from September 15 to 17, 2026. The summit is expected to bring together government officials, investors, development finance institutions and private-sector organisations.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the governments of the nine Niger Delta states have been identified as important partners in creating a sustainable investment ecosystem for the region.
The Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) said the summit would provide an opportunity to identify investment opportunities and develop practical ways to turn the region’s economic potential into actual businesses and jobs.
The organisation’s Board Chairman, Idaere Ogan, said the summit would focus on investment, innovation and industrial growth across the Niger Delta. According to him, the event would bring together the nine state governments, the Federal Government, NDDC, private-sector groups, investors and other development partners.
Agriculture Seen as Major Investment Opportunity
Agriculture is expected to be one of the major areas of discussion at the summit.
Stakeholders will examine opportunities across oil palm, cassava, rice, cocoa, horticulture, livestock, aquaculture and other agro-industrial value chains.
The focus is part of wider efforts to diversify the Niger Delta economy beyond crude oil. Although the region is widely known for its oil and gas resources, it also has large areas suitable for farming and fishing.
Earlier in July, the Federal Government announced a $500 million Niger Delta Agricultural Investment Fund designed to support agricultural investment and increase food production across the region.
The fund is expected to operate as a commercial investment vehicle covering crops, livestock, fisheries and marine resources. Financing is expected to involve development institutions and private investors, including the World Bank, African Development Bank and Islamic Development Bank.
The government has said the initiative is intended to attract private capital, create employment and strengthen food security.
Moving Away From Oil Dependence
For many years, the Niger Delta economy has been closely linked to crude oil production. However, stakeholders believe agriculture can provide another major source of income and employment for residents.
The NDDC has previously identified agricultural value chains such as palm oil, cassava, rice, cocoa and marine resources as areas where the region can attract large-scale investment.
The commission has also been involved in agricultural programmes, including support for mechanised farming and youth employment initiatives.
The proposed investment approach is therefore expected to connect farmers and agribusinesses with financing, processing facilities, markets and modern agricultural technology.
Experts have also stressed that developing processing industries will be important. Instead of exporting or selling raw agricultural products, more processing within the region could increase the value of farm produce and create additional jobs.
Summit Expected to Attract Investors
According to NDCCITMA, the Port Harcourt summit will showcase investment opportunities in agriculture and other sectors, including gas, maritime activities, manufacturing, renewable energy, tourism, logistics and digital infrastructure.
The organisation said the summit is expected to generate investment commitments, partnerships, financing opportunities and policy recommendations for the region.
The initiative comes at a time when Nigeria is seeking ways to improve food production, create jobs and strengthen non-oil sources of economic growth.
If successfully implemented, the agricultural investment programme could provide farmers with better access to capital while helping businesses establish processing and distribution networks across the Niger Delta.
However, the success of the $500 million fund will depend on how effectively the money is managed, how projects are selected and whether farmers and smaller agricultural businesses can actually access the opportunities created.
The wider goal remains to turn the Niger Delta’s agricultural potential into sustainable businesses, increased food production and stronger economic opportunities for communities across the nine states.
Niger Delta turns to agriculture and investment to build a stronger economy beyond oil.
