The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is to give out N10 billion in support of 5,000 businesses through the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines, and Agriculture (NDCCITMA).
Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the NDDC managing-director, disclosed the investment on Friday during the inauguration of the NDCCITMA board of directors in Port-Harcourt.
Ogbuku said the N10 billion was part of the N30 billion commitment by the Commission to invest in the chamber, marking the beginning of the entrepreneurship development programme which aims at boosting economic growth in the region.
Said he: “Earlier, I did mention that the Commission will be investing N30 billion in the Enterprise Development scheme to be managed by NDCCITMA to support entrepreneurs in our region, from NANO, Micro to the small-scale level.
“I am here to reaffirm that promise. We shall make good on the promise by releasing N10 billion to the NDCCITMA designated bank for the immediate commencement of the entrepreneurs’ development programme.
“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 implored all contractors and vendors in NDDC to register with NDCCITMA by July 31, saying it would give them an added advantage to be considered for patronage by the Commission.
Idaere Ogan, the NDCCITMA board chairman, also reaffirmed the chamber’s commitment to working with NDDC to transform the Niger Delta region.
The NDCCITMA board Chairman said the chamber aims to facilitate job creation, skills development, innovation, export growth, and productive partnerships across all sectors of the economy.
