The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reiterated its unwavering commitment to fostering economic advancement across the Niger Delta region through strategic empowerment initiatives. The Managing Director of NDDC, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, emphasized this during a one-day sensitization workshop on the establishment of the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) held yesterday the 11th of October, 2024 at the Axari Hotel in Calabar.
Speaking through the Cross River State NDDC Commissioner, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, Chief Ogbuku articulated that NDCCITMA is set to reposition the region’s economic landscape by providing much-needed support to businesses and entrepreneurs who find it challenging to meet the stringent requirements of conventional commercial banks and lending institutions. This initiative, he noted, is aimed at unlocking the region’s latent economic potential and ensuring sustainable development.
“The NDCCITMA initiative is poised to herald a robust transformation in the sectors of transport, manufacturing, mining, and agriculture,” he stated, adding that the chamber will play a pivotal role in creating a conducive environment for business prosperity. Chief Ogbuku assured stakeholders that through NDCCITMA, the NDDC will deliver on its mandate to drive socio-economic growth in the region, with a keen focus on inclusivity and grassroots development.
In his introductory remarks on the NDCCITMA, Chief Solomon Edebiri, a consultant for the chamber, highlighted that the initiative stemmed from the NDDC’s profound desire to extend development to the grassroots. He stressed that the chamber would not only bolster business activities but also improve the overall economic fabric of the Niger Delta region. “Membership is open to business owners and individuals across diverse sectors, including oil and gas, marine, agro-allied, mining, and power,” he explained.
The Executive Director of Projects at NDDC, Hon. Victor Antai, elucidated that NDCCITMA is envisioned to serve as a bridge for nano and micro enterprises, offering them the leverage to evolve into more competitive entities. “The chamber is designed to elevate small businesses, ensuring that they withstand economic pressures and emerge stronger,” Hon. Antai asserted. He urged startups and budding entrepreneurs to seize this opportunity to gain valuable business insights and grow their enterprises.
Further expounding on the chamber’s benefits, Chief Edebiri emphasized that NDCCITMA would enable access to capacity-building programs through training, retraining, internships, and apprenticeships. He also noted that the chamber would promote integration among businesses through membership, fostering a spirit of collaboration and unity. “We are engineering new ways of doing business, leveraging global best practices to position the Niger Delta as a hub of economic excellence,” he declared.
The sensitization workshop, which has already been held in other states across the Niger Delta, including Port Harcourt, Imo, Abia, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom, serves as a platform to educate and inform business owners on the vast opportunities available through NDCCITMA. The initiative is structured to deliver comprehensive support, bridging the gap between small enterprises and larger markets, thereby enhancing regional economic integration.
During his address, Chief Duke revealed that over ₦1 trillion had been allocated in the current fiscal year for the NDDC’s projects and programs, underscoring the Commission’s commitment to transparency and public participation. He remarked that several initiatives, such as scholarships, youth empowerment schemes, and student loans, have been redesigned to be more inclusive and publicly accessible, marking a departure from the previous opaque systems.
Moreover, Chief Edebiri pointed out that the NDCCITMA would foster strategic partnerships between organizations within and outside the region, amplifying the business ecosystem in the Niger Delta. “Our objective is to create a synergy among existing chambers of commerce, providing a unified platform for strategic engagement and collaboration,” he affirmed. The chamber’s scope spans multiple sectors, including infrastructure, healthcare, education, and hospitality, offering a broad range of opportunities for its members.
A significant policy shift announced at the workshop is the requirement for all contractors working with or intending to engage with the NDDC to register with NDCCITMA. “Certificates of membership will now be a prerequisite for doing business with the Commission,” stated Chief Duke, emphasizing that this move aims to streamline operations and ensure that only genuine, committed enterprises benefit from NDDC contracts and programs.
In an interaction with the press on the sidelines of the event, Chief Duke underscored the importance of active participation by businesses in the chamber’s activities. “NDCCITMA is not just an initiative; it is a movement towards economic renaissance. We invite every serious-minded business entity in the Niger Delta to join and harness the potential that lies within,” he declared.
The workshop, attended by a cross-section of business organizations, government officials, and stakeholders, featured insightful paper presentations and interactive sessions. It provided a platform for participants to engage with experts, gain new perspectives on business growth, and understand the strategic direction of the NDDC’s developmental agenda.
The Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines, and Agriculture symbolizes the NDDC’s steadfast resolve to drive sustainable development across the region. Through this visionary initiative, the Commission aims to foster a conducive business environment that nurtures entrepreneurship, promotes economic diversification, and ensures that the wealth of the region benefits all its people.
