NDDC Releases N10 Billion To Niger Delta Chamber Of Commerce To Boost Entrepreneurship

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has allocated N10 billion to the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines, and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) to promote entrepreneurship and economic growth throughout the Niger Delta region.

The announcement came during the inauguration of the NDCCITMA board of directors in Port Harcourt.

According to Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Director, Corporate Affairs, NDDC, this N10 billion is the first installment of the N30 billion that the NDDC has promised to invest in the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines, and Agriculture to support entrepreneurs at the nano, micro, and small-scale levels.

Speaking at the inauguration, NDDC Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, represented by NDDC Executive Director of Finance and Administration Alabo Boma Iyaye, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to promoting regional commerce and trade.

“Today, we will fulfil the promise by releasing N10 billion to the NDCCITMA-designated bank for the immediate start of the entrepreneurs’ development programme,” Iyaye said.

“We look forward to working with NDCCITMA to boost the economies of the states and the region as a whole.” NDCCITMA and the commission will determine the program’s operational dynamics.”

The NDDC has approved funding for 5,000 businesses to kick off the initiative. Dr. Ogbuku emphasised the NDDC’s commitment to promoting regional commercial growth through widespread participation in NDCCITMA activities.

Furthermore, the Managing Director issued a directive to all NDDC contractors and vendors, urging them to register with the NDCCITMA before July 31, 2025.

“The commission would also like to advise all current and prospective NDDC vendors to register with NDCCITMA, as doing so will provide an additional advantage in the commission’s consideration of potential and ongoing patronage. Between now and July 31st, every NDDC contractor must be registered with the NDCCITMA,” he said.

Sir Victor Antai, NDDC Executive Director Projects, was represented by Mrs. Lyna Okara, NDDC Director of Commercial and Industrial Development, who described the event as the beginning of a new era for business development in the Niger Delta.

He emphasised the careful selection of the NDCCITMA Board of Directors, which includes experienced professionals from various fields.

“Today we enter a new chapter in the region, a chapter that paves the way for rewriting the region’s development agenda, with business development through trade, commerce, industry, and agriculture taking centre stage,” Antai said.

In response to the announcement, NDCCITMA Board Chairman Ambassador Idaere Ogan reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to working with the NDDC to achieve its vision for the Niger Delta.

“We fully support the NDDC’s vision of transforming the Niger Delta into a region that is economically prosperous, socially stable, environmentally regenerative, and politically principled,” Ogan stated.

He also stated that the NDCCITMA would act as a catalyst for development at all economic levels, facilitating job creation, skill development, innovation, export growth, and productive partnerships.