NDCCITMA Chairman Says NDDC and Niger Delta States Are Key to Regional Investment Growth

The Board Chairman of the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture, NDCCITMA, Ambassador Idaere Ogan, has described the Niger Delta Development Commission and the governments of the nine Niger Delta states as critical partners in building a sustainable regional investment ecosystem.

Speaking with journalists at the Obi Wali Cultural Centre in Port Harcourt on September 12, 2026, Ogan reaffirmed NDCCITMA’s commitment to hosting the Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit from September 15 to 17, 2026 in Rivers State.

According to him, the summit is a strategic, private-sector-led platform designed to mobilise investment and unlock the economic potential of the Niger Delta region. The theme of the summit is Driving Investment, Innovation and Industrial Growth in the Niger Delta.

Ogan said the vision of the summit is to bring together the nine Niger Delta states, the Federal Government, NDDC, organised private sector, domestic and international investors, development finance institutions, multilateral organisations, financial institutions, project developers and other strategic partners.

He stated that the objective is to transform the Niger Delta from a resource-dependent economy into a diversified, productive, industrialised and globally competitive regional economy.

The NDCCITMA Chairman noted that the summit is not just another conference but an investment and transaction platform. He added that the region has opportunities beyond crude oil.

He listed key sectors to include gas and petrochemicals, agriculture and agro-processing, maritime and blue economy, manufacturing, aviation and transportation, renewable energy, tourism, digital economy, logistics, infrastructure and financial services. He said the region has the resources and market opportunities to become one of Africa’s leading investment destinations.

Ogan said the summit will showcase strategic investment opportunities capable of transforming the regional economy. These include agro-industrial and oil palm value chains, gas utilisation and gas-based industries, regional transportation and aviation, maritime infrastructure, industrial and logistics hubs, renewable energy, manufacturing, skills development, digital infrastructure and other high-impact projects.

The Counsel to the Legal Representative of NDCCITMA, Mr Sammie Somiari, SAN, said the summit organisers are committed to conducting activities in line with applicable laws and regulatory requirements.

He noted that in a suit filed by the founder of NDEIS, Kenule Nwiya Jnr, over alleged trademark infringement, the court restrained the plaintiff from interfering with the summit being planned by NDCCITMA. He assured that the summit will proceed as planned and there is no legal encumbrance to the economic and investment platform.

Also speaking, the NDDC Director of Commercial and Industrial Development, Mrs Lyna Okara, said the summit will promote stronger economic integration among the nine Niger Delta states.

She added that the investment forum is expected to produce tangible outcomes such as investment commitments, project partnerships, financing opportunities, policy recommendations and clearly defined implementation frameworks.

The Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit is scheduled to hold in Port Harcourt from September 15 to 17, 2026.