Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has expressed optimism that the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines & Agriculture will facilitate the transformation of the region’s economy.
Represented by the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Mr. John Etim, Eno emphasized the region’s diverse resources and potential beyond crude oil.
Eno said, “For too long, the Niger Delta has been erroneously portrayed as a mono-economy, which boasts only of crude oil deposit with negative fallout, such as environmental degradation, ravaging poverty, 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 region can be both self-sufficient and a net exporter of palm oil and many other food items. The NDCCITMA initiative is not only desirable but imperative for the speedy transformation of our region.”
Eno commended the Niger Delta Development Commission for seeking synergy with NDCCITMA to improve the lives of the people.
The Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, represented by the state Representative on the Board of NDDC, Mr. Abasiandikan Nkono, explained the objectives of NDCCITMA.
He said, “The establishment of NDCCITMA will positively influence the development of a 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 an affordable level to improve the health of our people.”
The Chairman of NDCCITMA, Idaere Ogan, described the chamber as a forum where people can seek genuine guidance and assistance in developing their businesses and scaling capabilities.
Ogan said, “We are poised to work with our development partners, the NDDC, to solve the food problem of the region, enable manufacturing of goods, develop skills, and build capacity within the region.”
Ogan invited regional stakeholders to collaborate with NDCCITMA.
He said, “We call on all the chambers of commerce in the region, business communities, professional associations, governments, and individuals to prepare to work with NDCCITMA for the accelerated development of the region.”
NDCCITMA aims to bridge the gap between NDDC and regional entrepreneurs, providing support for businesses struggling to meet financial institutions’ conditions.
By boosting trade and commerce across all business levels, from nano to large organizations, NDCCITMA seeks to drive economic growth and transformation in the Niger Delta region.
