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NDEI Summit to showcase 30–50 investment-ready projects across agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, technology, and the blue economy.
The Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines, and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) has unveiled an ambitious plan to attract $5 billion in investment and generate more than 500,000 jobs across the Niger Delta region.
The Board Chairman of NDCCITMA, Mr Idaere Ogan, announced the initiative during a media briefing in Port Harcourt, outlining a structured investment marketplace that aims to transform the region’s economy beyond oil through strategic, practical, and investment-ready projects.
The announcement sets the stage for the forthcoming Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit (NDEI Summit) , scheduled for May 2026.
A Structured Investment Marketplace
Ogan explained that the initiative will be implemented through a Deal Room featuring 30 to 50 pre-screened, investment-ready projects spanning key sectors critical to the region’s future.
The investment opportunities cover:
- Agro-industry and food security
- Manufacturing and industrial clusters
- Infrastructure and logistics
- Blue economy and marine enterprise
- Tourism and the creative economy
- Technology and digital innovation
- Gas commercialisation
- Human capital development
- Access to finance
“These are not abstract ideas. They are practical vehicles for jobs, productivity, trade, enterprise growth, and investor confidence,” Ogan stated.
Flagship Projects: From Mobility to Technology Hubs
The project pipeline reflects both ambition and practicality, according to Ogan. Key initiatives include:
| Project | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Niger Delta Rural and Urban Mobility Scheme | Improve movement between communities and markets |
| Agro Food Hub and Integrated Logistics System | Strengthen processing, packaging, storage, and market access |
| Cargo Flight System | Improve commercial freight connectivity |
| Niger Delta Science and Technology Park | Technology incubation, innovation, enterprise support, and startup growth |
| Greenhouse Agriculture Projects | Modern, climate-resilient farming |
| Export Trade Programme | Prepare thousands for export readiness and international market access |
| Investment Partnership Scheme | Link investors with screened opportunities |
Additional infrastructure priorities include rail-linked connectivity, incubation facilities, cold chain systems, fisheries support infrastructure (including ice hubs), and a wider network of processing and distribution assets.
$5 Billion Ambition, 500,000 Jobs in Sight
“Our ambition is bold but achievable. We are working to catalyse up to five billion dollars in structured investment commitments over the next five years,” Ogan said.
“If pursued with discipline and coordination, this pipeline can support more than 500,000 direct and indirect jobs and contribute to a stronger regional economy.”
Ogan expressed confidence in the momentum already building through the NDCCITMA investment partnership framework, noting that more than 4,000 nano, micro, and small enterprises have benefited from intervention support. An initial ₦5 billion financing tranche is already supporting qualified businesses across the region, signaling that investor confidence can be rebuilt through structure and credibility.
A Call to Governors, Chambers, and Investors
Ogan appealed to governors of Niger Delta states, sister chambers of commerce, and investors to partner with NDCCITMA in transforming the region.
He emphasised that the summit—a follow-up to the recently held Niger Delta Business Roundtable—aims to catalyse businesses across the region and fundamentally change its economic narrative.
The chamber is focused on diversifying the region’s economy beyond oil through investments in:
- Agriculture and food systems
- Manufacturing and industrialisation
- Gas value chains
- Logistics and transport infrastructure
- Tourism and creative industries
- Marine enterprise and the blue economy
- Digital economy and innovation
Summit Benefits: Beyond Investment
Earlier, Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Dr Solomon Edebiri, outlined the expected benefits of the NDEI Summit:
- Increased investment flow into the region
- Economic diversification beyond oil dependency
- Job creation and youth empowerment
- Improved infrastructure development
- Enhanced business environment
- Stronger public-private partnerships
A New Narrative for the Niger Delta
The NDEI Summit represents a determined effort to reposition the Niger Delta as a hub for sustainable, diversified economic growth. With a clear pipeline of investment-ready projects, structured financing mechanisms, and a unified vision, NDCCITMA is laying the groundwork for a regional economic transformation that prioritises jobs, enterprise growth, and long-term prosperity.
