By Ahmed Yusuf, Abuja
National News — A bold and strategic push to reposition the Niger Delta as a prime investment destination is gathering momentum, as plans advance for a high-level economic summit designed to unlock the region’s vast but underutilised potential.
The forthcoming Niger Delta Investment and Economic Summit is being positioned as a game-changing platform that will catalyse sustainable development, attract global capital and redefine the economic future of Nigeria’s oil-rich region.
Expected to be declared open by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the summit will take place in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, bringing together a powerful mix of investors, policymakers, development institutions and industry leaders under one roof.
Speaking at the inauguration of the summit’s consultants, Chairman of the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA), Ideare Gogo-Ogan, described the initiative as a decisive intervention aimed at converting the region’s natural wealth into tangible economic prosperity.
He stressed that while the Niger Delta is richly endowed with resources and opportunities, unlocking its full potential requires deliberate coordination, forward-thinking policies and sustained investment flows.
Ogan expressed strong confidence in the calibre of professionals assembled to drive the summit, noting that their expertise would ensure the delivery of a globally competitive investment forum capable of reshaping perceptions about the region.
The summit’s coordination is being led by Tony Epelle, Managing Partner of Samuelson Advisory Partners, alongside a team of seasoned consultants including Ehi Braimah of Neo Media and Marketing, and Ono K. Akpe of Red Sapphire Nigeria Limited, a specialist in public relations and event management.
Designed as more than just a conference, the summit will feature high-level keynote addresses, goodwill messages, technical sessions and robust plenary discussions focused on actionable outcomes.
A major highlight will be a keynote address by Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, whose participation underscores the summit’s growing international relevance.
The event will also host sector-focused investment forums, policy roundtables and deal-making sessions aimed at tackling critical economic challenges and unlocking new growth pathways.
With strong backing expected from key institutions such as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), organisers say the summit will serve as a rallying point for development partners committed to the region’s transformation.
Anchored on the theme, “Driving Investment, Innovation, and Industrial Growth in the Niger Delta,” the summit is expected to deliver concrete outcomes, including investment commitments, strategic partnerships and policy reforms.
Discussions will span critical sectors such as energy transition, optimisation of the oil and gas value chain, agriculture, the blue economy, infrastructure, manufacturing, digital technology and environmental sustainability.
Beyond investment, the summit will emphasise inclusive growth, peace-building, climate resilience and economic diversification, while promoting stronger support for small businesses and youth-driven innovation.
Organisers believe the initiative represents a defining moment for the Niger Delta—one that could shift the region from a narrative of challenges to a future anchored on opportunity, innovation and shared prosperity.
