Envoys Back SSDC Push for South South Development
By Ekanem Asuquo
Ambassadors designate from Nigeria’s South South region have expressed firm support for the South South Development Commission’s drive to promote economic growth and sustainable development.
The assurance came during a stakeholder engagement organised by the Commission’s Managing Director, Ms Usoro Akpabio, who said the initiative was designed to strengthen partnerships and position the region for greater economic opportunities.
The session brought together diplomats from the South South, as well as members of the Commission’s board and executive team. Attendance spanned both in person and virtual participation, underscoring a collective commitment to advancing development in the region.
Akpabio, in her remarks, called for stronger collaboration between the Commission and Nigeria’s diplomatic missions, noting that such synergy would enhance investment inflows, boost trade, encourage technology transfer, and support environmental sustainability efforts.
She described the South South as a key economic zone with rich natural resources, strategic maritime assets, and vast opportunities in energy and agriculture. She added that the Commission is focused on driving infrastructure development, diversifying the economy, empowering youths, and promoting industrial growth.
The Managing Director identified critical areas for collaboration to include the oil and gas value chain, gas commercialisation, agriculture and agro processing, maritime development, renewable energy, industrial parks, and infrastructure expansion. She also proposed a structured framework to improve coordination between the Commission and Nigerian missions abroad in attracting investments.
Responding, Ambassador Designate Senator Ita Enang praised the initiative, describing it as well timed, and pledged continued cooperation to draw development opportunities to the region.
Other participants, including Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas and Reno Omokri, who joined virtually, also affirmed their readiness to support the Commission’s agenda.
In the same vein, Abass Braimoh, Efe Clark Omeru, and Philip Ikufusi reiterated their commitment to collaborative efforts, stressing the need to sustain Nigeria’s economic recovery through strategic partnerships.
The engagement signals growing cooperation between the South South Development Commission and Nigeria’s diplomatic community in pursuit of regional and national development priorities.
