Afreximbank, NDDC Collaborate On Strategies To Develop Niger Delta Region

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has begun discussions with officials from the African Export-Import Bank, Afreximbank, as part of its efforts to collaborate with development partners in the pursuit of economic growth in the Niger Delta region.

Speaking to reporters after the 31st Afreximbank Annual Meeting in Nassau, Bahamas, NDDC Managing Director Dr Samuel Ogbuku confirmed that the NDDC Board was actively seeking credible partners to aid the development process.

Ogbuku, who represented the NDDC Board at the Afreximbank meeting, stated that one of the Commission’s major engagements was a meeting with Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President of the Intra-African Trade Bank at Afreximbank.

He stated that the Afreximbank chief executive provided strategic and operational leadership in implementing the bank’s intra-African and industrialization goals in support of the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement, or AFCFTA.

The NDDC CEO, in a statement signed by Pius Ughakpoteni, Direof ctor Corporate Affairs on Thursday, described the meeting as a critical gathering for African and Caribbean economic decision-makers, providing a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and the exploration of opportunities for mutual growth and development.

Ogbuku emphasised the importance of pursuing initiatives aimed at attracting development partners and collaborating with them to harness the state’s economic potential to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

He reiterated the NDDC’s commitment to promoting sustainable development in the Niger Delta region, assuring that the Commission would follow up on the discussions to ensure tangible results for the region.

Ogbuku stated, “It was a worthwhile engagement, and we concluded discussions on a variety of prospects that will benefit the Niger Delta region shortly.”

Over 2,000 delegates attended the four-day event, which included national and sub-national governments from across Africa and the Caribbean, political leaders and institutions from both regions and corporate organisations. Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, and Mr. Timi Alaibe, former NDDC Managing Director, were among those in attendance.