More than 50 nano, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Akwa Ibom State have received financial support under a new empowerment initiative spearheaded by the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDDCCITMA), in partnership with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
During the official flag-off of the investment partnership scheme, the Chairman of NDDCCITMA, Idaere Gogo Ogan, said the collaboration was designed to lift entrepreneurs in the region out of poverty and enhance business productivity. He explained that the partnership reflects a broader effort to strengthen the economic base of the Niger Delta through sustainable business growth.
Ogan commended the Federal Government for maintaining economic stability and applauded the NDDC for its continued interventions across the nine Niger Delta states. He revealed that the scheme targets over 2,000 beneficiaries in its first phase, with 80 percent of the current recipients drawn from lower-level entrepreneurs to help them expand and scale their ventures.
The Vice Chairman of NDDCCITMA, Dr. Iniobong Esuene, praised the dedication of the chamber’s leadership, including Mrs. Affiong Israel Ibanga, immediate past President of the Uyo Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (UYOCCIMA), and Chief Edet Ekwere, for ensuring the loans reached genuine business owners. He said the initiative was structured to help small business operators grow their profits and transition into employers of labour rather than job seekers.
Other stakeholders, including the Deputy President of UYOCCIMA, Susan Ukoabasi; former Executive Director (Operations) of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank, Edet Jonathan Ekere; Chairman of NASME, Dr. Ime Edoho; Centre Manager of the Technology Incubation Centre, Elshaddai Iniobong; and Chairman of Rural Integrated Food Growers, Mfon Ben, commended NDDCCITMA for its commitment to MSME development and grassroots empowerment.
Checks worth millions of naira were presented to business owners, with individual amounts ranging from ₦200,000 to ₦20 million. The loans are repayable within a period of three to 24 months at an 8 percent interest rate.
The empowerment scheme is part of ongoing efforts to promote inclusive economic growth across the Niger Delta by supporting small enterprises that drive innovation, create jobs, and sustain local communities.
