General
Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce to Boost Youth Capacity
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDDCITMA), a platform to enhance the growth of entrepreneurs in the Niger Delta region, has been touted to help youths in the region with proper capacity development.
This as the initiative was flagged off by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) by the Managing Director, Mr Samuel Ogbuku, during the Establishment Sensitization Programme of the Chambers, in Port Harcourt, on Thursday.
Speaking, the NDDC boss noted that the novel initiative would help to train youths and aspiring entrepreneurs, as well as support small and medium-scale enterprises.
Mr Ogbuku affirmed that the commission was also partnering with the Bank of Industry (BoI) by providing N30 billion to fund projects and support businesses to facilitate the success of the commission’s youth development programmes.
He said that the collaboration would ensure the sustainability of NDDC’s youth development programmes.
“With the Bank of Industry in the mix, youths in rural areas can be sure of receiving support through the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) programme, while those in urban centres will be assisted under the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) category.”
Mr Ogbuku also said that the chamber of commerce would attract new businesses and technologies to the region, as well as support new businesses through networking opportunities, leading to growth in the economy of the region.
On his part, the Chairman of NDDCITMA, Mr Idaere Ogan, said that the people of the region had longed for a forum where they could seek genuine guidance and assistance in developing their businesses in all ramifications.
“Let me, therefore, salute the visionary leadership of the Managing Director of the NDDC and his Executive Management for this unique innovation to promote the establishment of NDDCCITMA.
“The primary objective of NDDCITMA is to work closely with NDDC to pursue its vision for the Niger Delta Region, implement its mandate and bring development to the people of the region.
“NDCCITMA will in no mean measure contribute to the growth of our economy and bring prosperity to the people. From the maiden meeting of the directors of NDCCITAM, we have commenced serious networking with the various groups in the region, groups such as the National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, the Technical Incubation Centers, trade groups, business communities, academic institutions, and professionals.”
Also, Secretary of the NDDCITMA Board, Mr Solomon Edebiri, applauded the NDDC management for deciding to use the Chambers of Commerce as a tool for development that would encompass the involvement of the very informal sector, small, medium, and large-scale businesses or companies.
“The successful establishment of the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce is one of the numerous success stories of the NDDC under the leadership of Chief Samuel Ogbuku.
“The process further attests to his commitment, strength, and tenacity, when it comes to the delivery of projects that will enhance the region economically and ginger the people in multiple disciplines.”
In his remarks, the NDDC Executive Director of Projects, Mr Victor Antai, said NDCCITMA was poised to revolutionize business and accelerate economic growth in unprecedented ways.”
He said that the NDDC organized the workshop to raise awareness about the establishment of the NDCCITMA and to explore the vast opportunities it presents across the economic sector.
“Startups and business ideas in conceptual stages can leverage this opportunity, to advance their interest by seeking valuable business counsel from the chambers.
“Members of the Board of Directors of the NDCCITMA, have been meticulously selected from across the nine states of the Region. They have proven track records in their respective fields of endeavour, and we as a Board and Management of NDDC, are committed to working closely with them, to ensure that our vision and mandate reaches every corner of our region.”
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A hotline number, 0800 123 5264, for Nigerians to report any MRS Oil Nigeria Plc filling stations selling Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, above the approved pump price of N739 per litre, has been released by Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
The private refiner said the number was now active nationwide, enabling consumers to promptly report violations and help maintain fair pricing across over 2,000 MRS stations.
This measure follows the refinery’s recent commencement of nationwide PMS sales at N739 per litre—a strategic intervention aimed at stabilising fuel prices and easing the financial burden on Nigerians during the festive season.
“We encourage Nigerians to avoid purchasing PMS at inflated prices when locally refined fuel is available at N739 per litre.
“Report any MRS station selling above this price by calling our hotline. Together, we can ensure that the benefits of this price reduction reach every consumer,” the company stated in a statement.
The organisation stressed its mission to deliver affordable, high-quality fuel while safeguarding national economic interests, reaffirming its commitment to steady supply, backed by a guaranteed daily output of 50 million litres, and warned against attempts to create artificial scarcity or manipulate supply.
Regulatory authorities have been urged to remain vigilant and take decisive action against unpatriotic practices.
By refining locally at scale, Dangote Refinery is reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imports, conserving foreign exchange, stabilising the Naira, and strengthening energy security. This initiative represents a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward sustainable energy solutions and economic recovery.
The refinery also issued a stern warning against attempts by unscrupulous operators to create artificial scarcity in response to the price reduction, calling on government agencies to act decisively.
“Any attempt to create artificial scarcity or manipulate supply to frustrate recent price reductions is unpatriotic and unacceptable. We urge regulatory authorities to remain vigilant and take firm action against such practices, especially during this critical festive period,” the statement added.
Consumers were advised to resist purchasing fuel at inflated prices when cheaper, high-quality alternatives are readily available.
By Bon Peters
The Airport Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) at Omagwa Rivers State has praised the Customs Area Controller for Customs Area 1 Command, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku.
At the end-of-the-year party attended by stakeholders, including the leader of the association’s chapter, Mr Charles Onyema, said the customs officer has done well in stakeholder engagement and trade facilitation.
At the event held last Friday, he said his association has been enjoying a very cordial relationship with other organisation in the ecosystem.
“You can see what is happening today, everybody is working together and our operations here are seamless,” he noted.
He stated that apart from creating a very robust business environment for his members and other stakeholders to operate, he has taken a decision to build and commission a befitting ANLCA Secretariat which would be completed soon and be commissioned by the ANLCA national president, Mr Emenike Nwokeoji.
The ANLCA chapter chief said since “Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku assumed office at Customs Area 1, Port Harcourt Command, it has been a different ball game, facilitating trade and increasing Revenue generation.”
“I remember I told her she was a mother during her maiden visit to the airport.
“You know when you have a woman in charge of an affair, food will not lack, compassion will not lack and motherly love will not lack.
“She is very wonderful in stakeholder engagement, revenue generation and trade facilitation,” Mr Onyema enthused.
Projecting into the future, Mr. Onyema said the year 2026 would be better for his members, adding that he has advised them on financial discipline which he said would help them during the trying period.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The federal government has declared Thursday, December 25, and Friday, December 26, 2025, as public holidays to mark Christmas and Boxing Day respectively.
The government also declared Thursday, January 1, 2026, for the New Year celebration.
The declaration was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Mrs Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
According to the statement, the Minister urged Nigerians to reflect on the values of love, peace, humility and sacrifice associated with the birth of Jesus Christ.
Mr Tunji-Ojo also called on citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity, to use the festive season to pray for peace, improved security and national progress.
He further advised Nigerians to remain law-abiding and security-conscious during the celebrations, while wishing them a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Business Post reports that on these public holidays – the foreign exchange market, the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), as well as the NASD Over-the-Counter (OTC) Securities Exchange will not open to trade.
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