Niger Delta Chamber Of Commerce Aims At Skills Development To Combat Poverty, Food Insecurity

The Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) is gearing up to tackle poverty and food insecurity in the region by establishing vocational training centres, a move lauded by the former President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Chief George Udagba.

Speaking at the NDCCITMA sensitization programme in Umuahia, Abia State, Chief Udagba emphasized the importance of equipping the region’s workforce with essential skills.

He urged the NDCCITMA to partner with business conglomerates possessing standard workshops and certification programs to reduce the reliance on expatriates for skilled labor.

“The aim of the NDCCITMA is to address economic problems at the grassroots,” stated Chief Udagba.

“By setting up vocational training centres that offer skills in underwater welding, gas welding, agriculture, and other trades, we can create jobs, boost local industries, and reduce our dependence on imports.”

Echoing the need for skill development, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, represented by Mr. Azubuike Nwaubani, stressed that the NDCCITMA was created to empower struggling entrepreneurs and provide financial support to business owners.

He encouraged the National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) and other business communities to register with the NDCCITMA to access these benefits.

The Chairman of the NDCCITMA, Ambassador Idaere Gogo Ogan, expressed gratitude to the NDDC for its support and reiterated the Chamber’s commitment to collaborating with the Commission as a development partner.

“NDCCITMA has already initiated discussions with MSMEs, incubation centers, academics, professional bodies, and trade groups to foster collaboration and leverage their expertise,” said Ambassador Ogan. “We are dedicated to achieving food security and building skills in partnership with NACCIMA.”

This initiative marks a crucial step toward addressing the pressing issues of poverty and food insecurity in the Niger Delta.

By investing in vocational training, the NDCCITMA aims to empower individuals, foster economic growth, and create a more self-sufficient region.