Niger Delta Governors Tasked on Critical Policy Reforms
Governors of the nine Niger Delta states have been urged to rise in support of policy and infrastructure reforms to reposition the region for sustainable growth. The states, including Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers, were also charged to work in unity with others to unlock the region's full potential, as no single state can deliver its mandate in isolation.
Call for Unity and Reform Ahead of Summit
The call was made on Monday ahead of the Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit (NDEI Summit) scheduled for May 2026. Chairman of the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA), Idaere Gogo-Ogan, urged political leaders to lead by example by backing reforms, innovation, and policies that will drive development in the region.
He called on governors to align with the shared agenda, present priority investment opportunities from their states, and project the Niger Delta as a unified investment destination. He disclosed that President Bola Tinubu and Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Amor Mottley, are expected at the inaugural summit and exhibition in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
High-Profile Participation and Summit Theme
While Tinubu will serve as special guest of honour, Mottley will deliver the keynote address at the summit themed: "Driving Investment, Innovation and Industrial Growth in the Niger Delta." Gogo-Ogan emphasized that this is a pivotal moment for the region to transition from discussion to delivery, from potential to productivity, and from a region known mainly for extraction to one recognised for value creation, innovation, and shared prosperity.
He noted that the presence of the Barbadian leader would bring global perspectives on economic transformation and strategic development, stressing that the summit is designed as a platform for investment mobilisation, enterprise growth, industrial expansion, and regional coordination.
Investment Opportunities and Sector Focus
Also speaking, NDCCITMA Board Secretary, Solomon Edebiri, said stakeholders at the recent Niger Delta Roundtable identified vast investment opportunities across key sectors in the region. According to him, the sectors include:
- Agriculture and agro-processing
- Gas-based industries and energy
- Marine and blue economy
- Manufacturing and industrial clusters
He added that the summit will promote innovation and industrial linkages across sectors, share policy insights and reform priorities, and facilitate business-to-government engagements, among other initiatives. Edebiri stated, "The future of Niger Delta depends on our ability to harness technology, empower entrepreneurs, and build industries that will create value and jobs."
