The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has embarked on a significant initiative to bolster entrepreneurial growth in the Niger Delta region by investing in the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines, and Agriculture (NDCCITMA). This partnership aims to stimulate economic activities, create jobs, and enhance the overall prosperity of the region. The NDDC has committed a total of N30 billion to this enterprise development program, with an initial tranche of N10 billion already released to the NDCCITMA. This substantial investment underscores the NDDC’s commitment to fostering economic development and empowering local businesses in the Niger Delta.
The NDDC’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, announced the release of the funds at the inauguration of the NDCCITMA’s board of directors in Port Harcourt. He emphasized the NDDC’s dedication to partnering with the NDCCITMA to ensure the successful implementation of the entrepreneurial development program. The program is designed to support businesses at various scales, from nano and micro enterprises to small and medium-sized enterprises, catering to a broad spectrum of entrepreneurial ventures in the region. This inclusive approach aims to create a robust and diversified economic landscape within the Niger Delta.
Dr. Ogbuku further elaborated on the operational aspects of the initiative, stating that the NDDC has already approved 5,000 businesses to kick-start the program. This initial wave of support signifies the program’s immediate impact on the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The collaboration between the NDDC and NDCCITMA will involve developing operational dynamics for the program, ensuring efficient allocation of resources, and maximizing the impact of the investment. The NDDC’s commitment to supporting businesses in the region extends beyond financial investment, as it actively promotes their growth and encourages wider participation in NDCCITMA activities.
To further strengthen the partnership and streamline the process, the NDDC has mandated all its contractors and vendors to register with the NDCCITMA by July 31, 2025. This registration requirement ensures that businesses engaging with the NDDC become part of the broader network facilitated by the NDCCITMA. This strategic move aims to create a more organized and cohesive business environment in the region, enhancing communication and collaboration between various stakeholders involved in NDDC projects. It also provides these businesses with access to the resources and support offered by the NDCCITMA.
The Chairman of the NDCCITMA, Idaere Ogan, expressed the chamber’s full alignment with the NDDC’s vision for transforming the Niger Delta. He highlighted the chamber’s role as a catalyst for development across all economic tiers, emphasizing its focus on job creation, skills development, innovation, export growth, and productive partnerships. The NDCCITMA envisions a future where the Niger Delta is not only economically prosperous but also enjoys social stability, ecological regeneration, and political integrity.
This collaborative effort between the NDDC and NDCCITMA represents a significant step toward realizing the shared vision of a thriving Niger Delta. The investment in entrepreneurial development, coupled with the focus on building a strong business network, promises to unlock the region’s economic potential and create a more sustainable and prosperous future for its people. The emphasis on inclusivity, from nano businesses to larger industries, ensures that the program’s benefits are widely distributed and contribute to overall regional development. The registration requirement for NDDC contractors and vendors further reinforces the commitment to building a cohesive and interconnected business environment in the Niger Delta.
