April 6, 2025
The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has redeemed it pledge to support the economic activity in the niger delta region and has released N10billion to the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture NDCCITMA, to commence its entrepreneurs’ development programme.
Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, explained that the N10 billion is an initial deposit of the N30 billion promised by the commission to invest in the Chamber.
The fund is to be administered as a support loan to about 5,000 small and medium scale entreprenuers across the region.
This was disclosed at the weekend, at the inauguration of the board of directors of the NDCCITMA at NDDC’s headquarters in Port Harcourt.
NDDC boss, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, said the initial N10 billion deposit was to reaffirm NDDC’s commitment to the growing commerce and trade in the region.
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“During the flag-off ceremony of the sensitisation programme, I did mention that the commission will be investing N30bn in the Enterprise Development scheme to be managed by NDCCITMA to support the entrepreneurs in our region from the NANO, Micro and Small-scale level.
“I am here to reaffirm that promise. Today, we shall make good the promise by releasing N10bn to the NDCCITMA designated bank for Immediate commencement of the entrepreneur’s development programme.”
Ogbuku, assured NDCCITMA of the commission’s partnership to achieving its set goals.
“We look forward to partnering with NDCCITMA for the growth of the economies of the states and the region at large. I will also like to appreciate all the state reps on the NDDC board for their full support, it is good that this is happening in your own time on the board of NDDC.
“NDCCITMA and the commission will work out the operational dynamics for the programme. The commission has approved 5000 businesses to kick-start this initiative. We assure you that NDDC is poised to grow the region in commerce and trade through encouraging everyone to be part of the NDCCITMA activities.”
He directed all contractors and vendors in the NDDC to register with the NDCCITMA
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“The commission will also like to advise all current and intending vendors in NDDC to register with NDCCITMA as doing so will be an added advantage for consideration of possible and continued patronage by the commission. From today to July 31st every NDDC contractor must be duly registered with the NDCCITMA,”
Board chairman of NDCCITMA, Idaere Ogan, commended the initiative and affirmed the Chambers’ readiness to work with NDDC to achieve its vision of transforming the Niger Delta region.
“We align fully with the NDDC’s vision to transform the Niger Delta into a region that is economically prosperous, socially stable, ecologically regenerative and politically principled”. He said.
He added that, “The NDCCITMA is a tool in achieving this transformation. Our purpose is clear, to serve as a catalyst for development across all tiers of the economy from macro and micro businesses to medium size enterprises and large industries.
“This platform will facilitate job creation, skills development, invocation, export growth and productive partnerships.”
Secretary of NDCCITMA Board, Chief Solomon Edebiri, had earlier highlighted the genesis of the programme, which he said began in February 2023 when the NDDC approved the establishment of NDCCITMA with NDDC as the major promoter.
