Delta State has taken a further step toward attracting large-scale agribusiness investment with the inauguration of a steering committee to drive a framework for responsible investment in land-intensive agriculture.

The committee was inaugurated in Asaba by the state’s deputy governor, Monday Onyeme, who represented Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. Onyeme will also serve as chair of the newly established steering committee.

According to Onyeme, the initiative is designed to improve Delta State’s investment climate, particularly within the agricultural sector, by making it easier for investors to operate while ensuring that land-based agricultural projects are implemented responsibly.

He explained that the framework aims to balance investor confidence with social and environmental safeguards, noting that agriculture remains a major priority for the Federal Government of Nigeria, and that Delta State is positioning itself to align with this national agenda.

While outlining the committee’s mandate, Onyeme urged members to uphold transparency in land acquisition processes and resettlement arrangements linked to agribusiness projects. He also charged the committee to promote inclusive agricultural models, protect the rights of land tenure holders, ensure fair compensation practices and encourage environmentally sustainable land use.

Speaking at the inauguration, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Val Areyinka, alongside the Director General of the Delta State Investment Development Agency, Anthony Elekeokuri, disclosed that the framework is linked to a World Bank–supported programme valued at about $750 million.

They noted that access to the funding is performance-based and tied to the achievement of clearly defined benchmarks set by development partners. Effective implementation of the framework, they said, would position Delta State to benefit significantly from the facility, which is intended to support responsible and sustainable agribusiness development.

In addition to the steering committee, a 20-member technical committee was inaugurated to provide professional guidance, alongside a six-member grievance and redress committee. The grievance body comprises specialists in land administration and allocation and will be responsible for handling complaints and disputes arising from land acquisition and allocation related to agribusiness investments.

State officials said the multi-tier committee structure is intended to strengthen governance, enhance investor confidence and ensure that agricultural investments deliver inclusive and sustainable benefits to local communities.