The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has introduced a N30 billion fund to promote youth entrepreneurship in the Niger Delta region.
In a statement released on Saturday, the NDDC disclosed that the funds would be directed through the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines, and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) to support the development of young entrepreneurs in the region.
NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, shared this information during a recent interview. He highlighted the Commission’s commitment to empowering youth through economic initiatives, including support and training for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Supporting Genuine Businesses
Dr. Ogbuku emphasized the importance of verifying and documenting assistance for legitimate businesses, acknowledging that while the government cannot employ everyone, it is dedicated to creating a conducive environment for entrepreneurship. He also discussed the NDDC Youth Internship Scheme, which aims to provide practical experience by linking youths with organizations for on-the-job training.
“The consultant managing the application process is working to streamline entries and ensure a coordinated launch of the various skill areas by January 2025,” the statement stated. The NDDC also mentioned that successful applicants would be notified shortly.
This initiative is designed to foster economic growth and stability in the Niger Delta by involving youth in meaningful ventures and encouraging entrepreneurship through structured support from NDCCITMA.
What You Should Know
Established by the Federal Government in 2000, the NDDC’s core mission is to drive development in the South-South region of Nigeria. One of its primary mandates is youth training and empowerment.
The Commission has carried out various empowerment programs over the years. For example, in April 2024, the NDDC launched its Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship Programme for Niger Delta applicants for the 2024/2025 academic session. According to a statement on its website, the scholarship aims to enhance human resource development in the Niger Delta, designed to “equip young people with relevant training and skills for effective participation in the Federal Government’s local content programme, as well as enable them to specialise in their fields of study and compete globally in various professional disciplines.”
The scheme targets applicants with Bachelor’s Degrees from accredited universities in fields such as Agricultural Science, Engineering, Environmental Science, Geosciences, Information Technology, Medical Sciences, and Law.
In May 2024, the NDDC also announced plans to unveil 92 infrastructure projects valued at over N84 billion across five states within two weeks. Mr. Pius Ughakpoteni, the Commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, made this announcement in Akwa Ibom State. He explained that the Commission is equipped with a results-driven roadmap to ensure the sustainable and holistic development of the Niger Delta, transforming the region into an economic hub.
