Abuja: The Chairman of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC), Chibudom Nwuche, has committed to a comprehensive overhaul of the development strategy for Nigeria’s South-South region. At the inaugural meeting of the SSDC Board in Abuja, Nwuche emphasized the importance of transforming the commission to benefit the entire nation.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Nwuche highlighted the commission’s urgent focus on addressing the region’s infrastructural and socio-economic challenges through strategic planning. He noted that the recently enacted Niger Delta Development Commission Act is expected to catalyze growth in the Niger Delta, providing much-needed relief to the region’s inhabitants.
Nwuche remarked, “Our country, from independence, has held a lot of promise, but unfortunately, we are still on the journey to development, while our contemporaries, like Malaysia, China, and Indonesia, have made much more progress.” He expressed optimism that the new laws would accelerate the country’s overall development.
The SSDC, empowered by section 8 of its Act, is tasked with identifying the root causes of underdevelopment in the region and implementing practical and sustainable solutions. The commission’s mandate covers diverse areas such as transportation, industries, agriculture, telecommunications, electricity, and urban development.
The chairman emphasized the importance of empowering youth and women, particularly in light of the region’s high unemployment rates, which are exacerbated by its status as the country’s oil-producing area. Nwuche assured that SSDC would work closely with the National Assembly, South-South State Governors, and other development organizations to avoid project duplication and ensure effective governance.
In her remarks, Ms. Usoro Akpabio, Managing Director of SSDC, underscored the importance of infrastructure in transforming the region’s cities, towns, and rural communities. She stated, “Infrastructure remains central to this transformation. Roads, ports, energy, and digital connectivity are no longer luxuries but critical assets that will unlock opportunities, enhance trade, and attract investment.”
Akpabio emphasized the role of people in development, pledging unwavering support for entrepreneurs, SMEs, women, and youth. She revealed plans to invest in capacity building, financial access, innovation ecosystems, and digital tools to ensure the South-South region’s residents are active contributors to development.
Moreover, Akpabio outlined the commission’s commitment to embracing digital transformation, supporting tech-driven SMEs, and promoting ICT adoption in various sectors. She also highlighted plans to promote the blue economy, arts, culture, and tourism as crucial economic drivers and cultural treasures of the South-South region.