The Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) has received N10 billion from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to kick-start its entrepreneurs’ development programme.

The announcement was made during the inauguration of NDCCITMA’s board of directors at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Saturday.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said that the N10 billion was the first tranche of a N30 billion investment pledged by the commission to support the chamber’s activities.

Mr Ogbuku said, “This investment reaffirms NDDC’s commitment to boosting commerce and trade across the Niger Delta. During the flag-off of the sensitisation programme, I mentioned that the commission would invest N30 billion in the Enterprise Development Scheme managed by NDCCITMA. Today, we are fulfilling that promise with an initial release of N10 billion to NDCCITMA’s designated bank for immediate programme commencement.”

According to Ogbuku, the commission remains committed to partnering with NDCCITMA to realise the full potential of economic growth in the region.

He stated, “The NDDC has approved 5,000 businesses to benefit from this initiative. Together with NDCCITMA, we will finalise the operational framework to ensure smooth implementation.’’

He also directed that current and prospective NDDC contractors and vendors must register with NDCCITMA by July 31, 2025.

“Registration with NDCCITMA will be a key requirement for consideration and continued engagement with the commission,” Mr Ogbuku warned.

In his remarks, NDCCITMA Board Chairman, Idaere Ogan, expressed the chamber’s readiness for greatness.

He said that the chamber’s objectives aligned with NDDC’s vision of transforming the Niger Delta into a region that is economically vibrant, socially stable, and environmentally sustainable.

He noted, “NDCCITMA is positioned as a catalyst for development—from nano and micro enterprises to large-scale industries.  Through this platform, we will facilitate job creation, skills development, innovation, export expansion, and productive partnerships.”

Secretary of the NDCCITMA Board, Solomon Edebiri, traced the initiative’s origin to February 2023 when the NDDC approved the chamber’s establishment.

He noted that NDCCITMA was officially incorporated by the Corporate Affairs Commission in September 2023 and had since integrated existing chambers of commerce in the region, with five members currently on its board.

Ms Edebiri lauded the widespread support from stakeholders and the overwhelming membership from all Niger Delta states, calling it a promising start toward achieving the chamber’s mission.

(NAN)