The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), Mr. Ayodeji Oludare Sotinrin, participated in the Niger Delta Agricultural Development and Investment Summit (NDADIS) 2026, a high-level gathering that brought together policymakers, development finance institutions, investors, agribusiness leaders, development partners, and agricultural stakeholders to explore practical strategies for unlocking investment and accelerating agricultural transformation across the Niger Delta region. The summit was jointly convened by the Office of the Vice President and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The summit provided a strategic platform for dialogue on expanding investment across key agricultural value chains, strengthening food security, promoting private sector participation, and positioning agriculture as a major driver of economic diversification and sustainable development in the Niger Delta. Participants examined opportunities to increase productivity, improve value addition, and create an enabling environment for long-term agricultural investment.

A major highlight of NDADIS 2026 was the launch of the $500 million Niger Delta Agricultural Investment Fund, a landmark financing initiative designed to mobilise public and private capital for agricultural development across the region. The fund is expected to support investments in priority sectors including aquaculture, oil palm, cassava, cocoa, rice, horticulture, livestock, and marine resources while attracting participation from development finance institutions, multilateral partners, and private investors.

Unlocking Investment for Agricultural Transformation

The Niger Delta Agricultural Development and Investment Summit 2026 reinforced the importance of strategic investment in agriculture as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and food security. Discussions focused on improving access to finance, strengthening agricultural infrastructure, encouraging innovation, and building resilient value chains capable of supporting sustainable development throughout the Niger Delta.

Stakeholders also highlighted the importance of collaboration between government institutions, financial institutions, development partners, and the private sector in unlocking the region’s agricultural potential and creating new opportunities for farmers, agribusinesses, and agricultural entrepreneurs.

BOA’s Commitment to Agricultural Development

The participation of Mr. Ayodeji Oludare Sotinrin at the summit reflects the Bank of Agriculture’s continued commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen agricultural productivity, improve access to finance, and promote sustainable rural development.

As Nigeria’s foremost agricultural development finance institution, BOA remains focused on expanding access to affordable agricultural financing while fostering strategic partnerships that empower farmers, agribusinesses, cooperatives, and agricultural enterprises. The Bank recognises that increased investment across agricultural value chains is essential to achieving food security, creating employment, and driving inclusive economic growth.

Supporting Sustainable Investment in Agriculture

The launch of the $500 million Niger Delta Agricultural Investment Fund represents a significant step towards mobilising long-term financing for agriculture and accelerating development across the Niger Delta. By supporting commercially viable agricultural projects and encouraging greater private sector participation, the initiative is expected to strengthen regional food systems, increase agricultural productivity, and contribute to national economic development.

The Bank of Agriculture remains committed to collaborating with government agencies, development partners, financial institutions, and private sector stakeholders to implement innovative financing solutions that support farmers, strengthen agricultural value chains, and contribute to Nigeria’s agricultural transformation agenda.