In a significant move to bolster entrepreneurship in the Niger Delta, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has released N10 billion to support 5,000 micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the region. This funding is part of a larger N30 billion commitment aimed at fostering economic growth and development.
Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of NDDC, announced this initiative during the inauguration of the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines, and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) board of directors in Port Harcourt. He emphasized that the initial N10 billion disbursement marks the beginning of the entrepreneurship development program, with plans to invest the remaining N20 billion in due course.
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“We have approved 5,000 businesses to kick-start this initiative, and we assure you that NDDC is poised to grow the region in commerce and trade,” Ogbuku stated. He highlighted that the program aims to support entrepreneurs at various levels, from nano and micro to small-scale enterprises.
To ensure effective implementation, Ogbuku urged all contractors and vendors associated with NDDC to register with NDCCITMA by July 31, 2025. He noted that such registration would provide an added advantage for consideration in future engagements with the commission.
Idaere Ogan, the Chairman of NDCCITMA’s board, expressed the chamber’s commitment to collaborating with NDDC to transform the Niger Delta into an economically prosperous and socially stable region. He outlined the chamber’s objectives, including facilitating job creation, skills development, innovation, export growth, and fostering productive partnerships across all sectors of the economy.
This substantial investment by NDDC aligns with broader efforts by the Nigerian government to support MSMEs, recognizing their critical role in driving economic diversification and employment generation. For entrepreneurs in the Niger Delta, this initiative offers a valuable opportunity to access funding and resources essential for business growth and sustainability.
As the program unfolds, it is anticipated that the infusion of capital into the region’s MSMEs will stimulate local economies, encourage innovation, and contribute to the overall development of the Niger Delta.
