The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has called on Niger Delta states to establish viable Special Economic Zones to drive industrialisation and position the region as a major trade and investment hub. She made the call at the inaugural Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Okonjo-Iweala noted that the Niger Delta has the resources and strategic advantages to emerge as Nigeria's next major industrial hub, alongside Lagos.
Okonjo-Iweala stressed the need for improved project execution, a stronger maintenance culture, efficient ports, enhanced digital infrastructure, and lower trade costs to attract investors and support businesses. She expressed concern that the situation of the Niger Delta people is far from satisfactory and urged the region to try and do better. The WTO chief also suggested that the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture could play a leading role in attracting investors and positioning the region as a trade hub.
The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, said the commission is working with the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce to advance its vision of growing businesses in the region through an initial N5 billion fund. He identified the region's human resources as its greatest asset and stressed the need to build their capacity to drive sustainable economic growth. Ogbuku advocated for greater collaboration among the Niger Delta states and the establishment of a think tank to galvanise ideas and coordinate development efforts.
Ogbuku also called for the joint development of critical infrastructure, including power stations, rail lines, and regional roads, to facilitate economic integration and development. He decried the continued capital flight from the region, saying international companies have benefited from its resources without creating adequate employment opportunities and other economic benefits for the people. The NDDC Managing Director emphasised the need for an enabling environment, including investment opportunities and active participation by the people of the region.
The Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, said the commission would continue to collaborate with the Niger Delta state governments and other stakeholders to avoid duplication of projects and efforts. In his keynote address, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede urged the region's elite to move beyond lamentation and formulate a development compass. He stressed that the Niger Delta must use its resources to become an economic powerhouse and warned that real transformation would depend on deliberate execution rather than promises alone.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, announced that his state had established a $100 million investment fund to attract investors. The Governor, represented by the Director-General of the Delta State Investment Development Agency, Olorogun Lucky Oghene-Umoru, assured investors of a secure business environment and said his administration was pursuing economic diversification to reduce dependence on oil revenue.
Other speakers at the summit, including the President-General of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, Ambassador Godknows Igali, and the Board Chairman of NDCCITMA, Ambassador Idaere Ogan, emphasised the region's potential for economic transformation. They called for a repositioning of the region's enterprise, resources, and strategic relevance to Nigeria and Africa. The summit aimed to promote economic growth and development in the Niger Delta region.
Key points
- Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala calls on Niger Delta states to establish Special Economic Zones to drive industrialisation.
