SSDC Moves to Strengthen Collaboration with FCT, Reiterates Quest for Regional Development

By Ekanem Asuquo 

The South South Development Commission is seeking deeper institutional partnerships to fast track development across the oil producing region, its Managing Director, Ms Usoro Akpabio, has said.

Akpabio made the pledge on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by the commission’s board to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, in Abuja. She explained that improved cooperation with the FCT Administration and other federal agencies is vital to achieving the commission’s mandate.

She stressed that the SSDC remains focused on driving sustainable growth, enhancing infrastructure and ensuring that the South South region is effectively captured in national planning frameworks.

“We are fully committed to promoting economic growth and sustainable development across the region,” she said, adding that the commission would continue to strengthen engagement with relevant ministries and agencies.

In his remarks, Minister Wike charged the board to prioritise grassroots development and uphold transparency in project execution. He warned against internal wrangling and misuse of public resources, urging the commission to align fully with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Projects should not be awarded to satisfy narrow interests,” Wike cautioned. He advised the board to work collaboratively with South South state governors to avoid overlapping initiatives and ensure accountability.

Board Chairman, Hon. Chibudom Nwuche, expressed appreciation for the Minister’s consistent support and assured that the commission would adopt a results driven approach to regional development.

The South South Development Commission was established by the Tinubu administration to accelerate economic transformation and infrastructural renewal across the Niger Delta and adjoining oil producing states.