The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Samuel Ogbuku, has called on stakeholders and the private sector to intensify efforts to attract investments back to the Niger Delta, stressing that sustainable development in the region depends on collective commitment and strategic partnerships.
Ogbuku made the call at the Niger Delta Business Roundtable organised by the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture in Port Harcourt.
He stated that the current leadership of the Commission is focused on changing the development narrative by shifting from transactional engagements to transformational initiatives.
“When we assumed office, there were numerous unfinished projects, but we have taken deliberate steps to complete them. We are encouraged by the assurance of Mr President of a stable four-year tenure, which places a moral responsibility on us to deliver results,” he said.
The NDDC boss emphasised the need for unity across the region to tackle shared challenges, particularly insecurity, which he noted has contributed to urban migration and slowed economic growth.
He explained that efforts to improve power supply and curb criminal activities informed the Commission’s “Operation Light Up the Niger Delta” initiative.
Highlighting key interventions, Ogbuku listed major projects including the Okitipupa electrification project in Ondo State; the Ogbia–Nembe Road and Bridge; the Okrika Road and Bridge; the Kaa–Ataba Road and Bridge; the Bonny Ring Road; and regional hospitals in Rivers and Cross River states. He also disclosed ongoing collaboration with the Delta State Government on the 70.75-kilometre Omadino–Okerenkoko–Escravos Road and Bridges project.
On human capital development, Ogbuku said the Commission has trained 500 youths in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion and established a database to connect beneficiaries with opportunities based on competence.
He acknowledged that past challenges, including frequent leadership changes, led to abandoned projects and eroded public trust but assured stakeholders that stability under the current administration would restore confidence and improve performance.
Ogbuku further noted that the establishment of NDCCITMA was designed to shield the Commission from political pressures while fostering business growth in the region.
“The government provides infrastructure, but it is the private sector that drives business growth. The Niger Delta is peaceful and offers a viable platform for investments,” he added.
In his remarks, the Executive Director, Finance and Administration of NDDC, Boma Iyaye, commended NDCCITMA for organising the roundtable and lauded beneficiaries who have begun repaying their loans.
Earlier, the Chairman of the NDCCITMA Board, Idaere Gogo Ogan, revealed that about 13,000 applicants had applied for loans, with over 3,000 businesses benefiting from the scheme. She urged participants to harness the region’s economic potential and contribute innovative ideas.
Also speaking, the Board Secretary, Solomon Edebiri, highlighted the region’s strengths in agriculture and the blue economy, stressing the need to diversify beyond oil and gas. He noted the disparity in export capacity between Lagos and Port Harcourt, adding that the roundtable was aimed at unlocking business opportunities and addressing economic challenges.
Delivering the keynote address, Simbi Wabote called for a new development agenda anchored on strategic planning and regional collaboration. He observed that despite contributing about 80 per cent of Nigeria’s earnings, the Niger Delta has not received commensurate infrastructure and income levels.
Wabote advocated the implementation of a Regional Master Plan, urging stakeholders to build strong institutions, set measurable targets, and promote synergy among Niger Delta states to achieve sustainable economic growth.
