By Janet Essien & Chioma Onunka
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has reiterated the importance of value-chain development as a sustainable pathway to wealth creation and food security in the Niger Delta Food Security Summit 2026.
The Director General/Chief Executive Officer, Professor Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, who was represent by Director Agriculture and Agro-Allied Department, Dr. Seb Ebirekwe highlighted during the two-day Summit and Expo 2026 (NDFSSE 2026), held from April 22 to 23 at Ceedapeg Hotels, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The summit, themed “Food Security, Energy and Youth Inclusivity: Engaging the Youths to Secure the Future of the Niger Delta,” brought together stakeholders from government, private sector, academia, and development organizations to address declining agricultural productivity in the region.
Dr. Sab C. Ebiriekwe stressed the need for value addition in agriculture. He explained that while farming ensures food production, processing, packaging, and marketing are essential for wealth creation, job generation, and economic sustainability. He urged youths to take advantage of opportunities in agro-processing, branding, and agribusiness development rather than focusing solely on primary production.
Earlier, while speaking at the event, the Convener and Managing Director of McRoberts Energy Ltd., Emmanuel Robert, described the summit as a strategic response to the region’s growing food challenges. He noted that despite its vast agricultural potential and natural resource base, the Niger Delta continues to experience declining local production and increasing reliance on food imports due to environmental degradation, underinvestment, and limited adoption of modern technologies.
A ministerial address delivered by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to achieving food sufficiency in the Niger Delta.
Presentations at the summit highlighted the need for stronger agricultural value chains, adoption of climate-smart practices, and integration of renewable energy into farming systems. Participants were also introduced to low-cost, high-impact agro-processing investment opportunities aimed at empowering young entrepreneurs.
Stakeholders at the summit emphasized the need for increased youth participation and the strengthening of agricultural value chains as critical solutions to food insecurity across the Niger Delta.
The summit also featured goodwill messages from key organizations, including the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Organization of Women in International Trade, and the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Associations Alliance. In her opening remarks, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Offiong Offor, encouraged participants to leverage the summit to address youth disengagement in agriculture and promote sustainable practices.
At the end of the summit, stakeholders agreed on key action points, including strengthening collaboration, promoting youth and women inclusion, encouraging export-oriented agribusiness, and advancing sustainable agricultural innovations.
The summit concluded with a renewed commitment to transforming the Niger Delta’s agricultural sector into a major driver of economic growth and food security.
You Might AlsoLike
