NDDC sensitises stakeholders in A’Ibom on NDCCITMA establishment

Akpan Umoh, Uyo

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has commenced sensitisation of stakeholders in Akwa Ibom State on the establishment of Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines & Agriculture (NDCCITMA) in the region.

Speaking during the sensitisation in Uyo on Wednesday, Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State expressed optimism that the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines & Agriculture (NDCCITMA) will transfer the economy of the region.

Eno, who was represented by the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Mr John Etim, said the region has been wrongly portrayed as a mono-economy in spite of the huge resources it possesses.

“For too long, the Niger Delta has been erroneously portrayed as a mono-economy which boast only of crude oil deposit with negative fallout such as environmental depredation, ravaging poverty, and among others, but our region is much more than that.

“We are blessed with abundant human and mineral resources far beyond crude oil. In fact, we are the major producers of oil palm and other cash crops in this country. The Niger Delta can be both self-sufficient and a net exporter palm oil and many other food items.

“The NDCCITMA initiative is not only desirable but is imperative for the speedy transformation of our region,” Eno said.

The governor commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for seeking the synergy for the implementation of the initiative for the betterment of the people.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said that the NDCCITMA intends to stand in the gap between NDDC and entrepreneurs in the region.

He added that the Niger Delta chambers of commerce, industry, trade mines & agriculture will provide the long-sought support to sustain the business of those who cannot meet the stringent of financial institutions.

Ogbuku said the successful establishment of the chambers of commerce will complement the ongoing project HOPE and IFAD programmes.

“The Commission has carefully engineered these programmes to positively affect the lives of the people of the region,” he said.

Represented by the NDDC, Akwa Ibom State Representative, Mr Abasiandikan Nkono, Ogbuku stated that the activities of the Chambers will influence development in the region.

“The establishment of NDCCITMA will positively influence the development of robust transport system, manufacturing, merchandising, mining, marine and food security for our families.

“We intend to work with the people and bring down the cost of food to affordable levels to improve the health of our people,” Ogbuku said.

The Chairman of NDCCITMA, Mr Idaere Ogan said the chamber is the forum where the people could seek genuine guidance and assistance in developing their businesses and scaling up capabilities.

Ogan added the chamber will boost trade and commerce right from the nano business level through the micro, small and medium enterprises to the large organisations.

He said, “We are poised to work with our development partners the NDDC to solve the food problem of the region to enable manufacturing of goods, develop skills and build capacity within the region.”

He called on all chambers of commerce within the region, business communities, professional associations, governments and individuals to prepare to work with the NDCCITMA for accelerated development of the region.