The Niger Delta must move beyond discussions about its enormous economic potential and focus on converting its natural and human resources into productivity, investment and sustainable economic growth.
Chairman of the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture, NDCCITMA, Idaere Gogo-Ogan, stated this at the opening of the Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit in Port Harcourt, which began today and will run until September 17.
Gogo-Ogan identified investment opportunities in agriculture and agro-processing, oil palm value chains, gas utilisation, petrochemicals, maritime tourism and digital technology. She also stressed the importance of investing in the region’s large youth population.
Also speaking, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Samuel Ogbuku, said the summit provides an opportunity for stakeholders to examine the economic challenges and prospects of the region.
Ogbuku said the Niger Delta must leverage its abundant natural and mineral resources to drive development and create sustainable economic opportunities for its people.
The keynote speaker and Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, Bolaji Agboola, highlighted the role of development and investment in improving living standards and driving economic growth across the Niger Delta.
On state-level readiness for regional development, the representative of the Presidency, Gift Johnbull, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Community Engagement for the South-South region, alongside representatives of Abia, Cross River and Delta States, highlighted measures being implemented to strengthen investment and economic development.
The stakeholders also emphasised the need for collective action among Niger Delta states to accelerate the transformation and economic development of the region.
Today FM’s Odinakachi Celestine reports that stakeholders and key industry players from various sectors and parts of the world gathered in Port Harcourt for the opening ceremony of the maiden Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit 2026.
