Our Story
From a small group of committed academics and development professionals to a registered NGO with a growing footprint across Southern Nigeria.
EcoFDI — the Eco-Friendly Development Initiative — was born out of a shared conviction: that Nigeria's rural communities, particularly those in the Niger Delta, hold the natural and human resources needed to lift themselves out of poverty. What they need is a committed partner to walk alongside them.
Our founders brought together decades of experience in environmental science, community development, agriculture, and public health to create an organisation that would work from the ground up — entering communities with humility, listening before acting, and co-designing solutions that communities themselves would own.
A decade of sustainable impact
Foundation
EcoFDI was founded and registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC/IT/NO 80432) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The founding team — drawn from academia and the development sector — identified a critical gap: rural communities in the Niger Delta were rich in natural resources but poor in the tools to manage them sustainably.
First Programs
EcoFDI launched its first community entrance facilitation programs in Rivers State, working alongside local leaders to co-design sustainable livelihood initiatives. Capacity building workshops were held across three communities, training over 200 participants in natural resource management.
Expanding Impact
Programs expanded into Bayelsa and Delta States. EcoFDI deepened its focus on biodiversity conservation and food security, establishing community demonstration farms and introducing eco-innovative agricultural techniques suited to the Niger Delta ecosystem.
Research & WASH
A dedicated research arm was established, partnering with universities across Nigeria to produce evidence-based interventions. WASH programs were launched in underserved communities, improving access to clean water and sanitation for thousands of rural families.
Climate & Growth
EcoFDI expanded its climate change mitigation programs, responding to the growing threat of flooding and agricultural disruption across the Niger Delta. The organisation continues to grow its network of resource persons, partner organisations, and community stakeholders.