OGAN CALLS FOR A UNIFIED ECONOMIC AGENDA TO DRIVE NIGER DELTA’S REGIONAL TRANSFORMATION
- Vincent
- 2026-09-25
In his welcome address at the Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit 2026 (NDEIS 2026), the Chairman of the Board of the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA), Ambassador Idaere Ogan, called on the nine Niger Delta states to reposition their enterprises, resources and strategic importance to Nigeria and the wider African economy.
Ogan stressed the need for the region to move beyond its vast economic potential by transforming opportunities into bankable investment propositions and translating plans into tangible results.
He urged the governors of the nine Niger Delta states, as well as chambers of commerce and other stakeholders across the region, to coordinate their priorities and pursue a unified economic agenda capable of driving sustainable growth and development.
“No single state or institution can unlock the region’s full potential in isolation.”
According to Ogan, greater collaboration, coordinated planning and stronger institutional partnerships are essential to creating an enabling environment for investment, enterprise development and regional economic transformation.
He described the summit as a strategic platform for mobilising investment, accelerating enterprise development and strengthening economic collaboration across the Niger Delta.
Towards a More Integrated Niger Delta Economy
The discussions at the summit reflected a shared commitment to transforming the Niger Delta from a predominantly resource-extraction economy into a more productive, diversified and integrated regional economy.
Stakeholders highlighted a broad range of priorities, including the establishment of Special Economic Zones, improved access to enterprise financing, regional infrastructure development, trade facilitation, digital connectivity and stronger cooperation among the nine states.
These interventions, participants noted, are critical to improving the investment climate, stimulating enterprise growth, creating jobs and expanding economic opportunities for communities across the region.
The summit reinforced a central message: the Niger Delta’s abundant natural resources provide a strong foundation for economic growth, but infrastructure, investment, collaboration and effective execution will be essential to converting the region’s potential into sustainable and inclusive economic development.