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By Tracy Moses
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has allocated N10bn to the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines, and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) to stimulate entrepreneurship and foster economic growth in the region.
This announcement was made during the inauguration of NDCCITMA’s board of directors in Port Harcourt. NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, who was represented by the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, confirmed that this N10 billion is the first installment of the total N30 billion the Commission plans to invest in the Chamber of Commerce.
In a statement issued on Saturday by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Director of Corporate Affairs, Ogbuku emphasized the Commission’s dedication to boosting trade and commerce in the region. He shared, “As I mentioned during the flag-off of the sensitization programme, the Commission is set to invest N30 billion into the Enterprise Development initiative, managed by NDCCITMA, to support local entrepreneurs at the nano, micro, and small-scale levels.”
Ogbuku reassured that the N10 billion had now been released to NDCCITMA’s designated bank to launch the Entrepreneurs’ Development Programme. He expressed optimism about the collaboration between the NDDC and NDCCITMA, which will be pivotal in driving the economic growth of the region and individual states. The Commission also confirmed the approval of 5000 businesses to participate in the initiative.
He further advised all contractors and vendors engaged with the NDDC to register with NDCCITMA by July 31, 2025, as this would enhance their chances for future contracts with the Commission.
In his address, NDDC Executive Director of Projects, Sir Victor Antai, highlighted that the inauguration of NDCCITMA’s board marked a significant milestone for business development in the Niger Delta. Antai, represented by Mrs. Lyna Okara, the NDDC Director of Commercial and Industrial Development, noted that the operational processes of NDCCITMA had officially begun.
He emphasised that the Board of Directors of NDCCITMA was carefully selected and comprised seasoned men and women, professionals who had distinguished themselves in their various fields.
Antai declared, “Today we enter a new chapter in the region, a chapter that opens the way to rewrite the region’s development agenda, where business development through trade, commerce, industry, and agriculture will take centre stage.”
In his remarks, the Board chairman, NDCCITMA, Ambassador Idaere Ogan, affirmed the Chambers’ readiness to work with the NDDC to achieve its vision of transforming the Niger Delta region.
He said, “We align fully with the NDDC’s vision to transform the Niger Delta into a region that is economically prosperous, socially stable, ecologically regenerative and politically principled.
“The NDCCITMA is a tool in achieving this transformation. Our purpose is clear: to serve as a catalyst for development across all tiers of the economy, from nano- and micro-businesses to medium-sized enterprises and large industries.
Ogan said further: “This platform will facilitate job creation, skills development, innovation, export growth and productive partnerships.”