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 Adedapo Adesanya
The South African Consulate General in Lagos, in partnership with Brand South Africa and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), is hosting the 4th edition of the South Africa Focus Week in Lagos, Nigeria, from April 22 – 26, 2026.
The annual platform continues to grow as a strategic initiative aimed at fostering social cohesion between South Africans and Nigerians while positioning South Africa as a preferred destination for business, tourism, and education. Since its inception in 2023, South Africa Focus Week has attracted over 1,500 participants, bringing together stakeholders from across sectors, including trade and investment, arts and culture, tourism, aviation, and the culinary industry.
The 2026 edition holds particular significance as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s democratic Constitution, enacted in 1996, as well as 32 years of unbroken diplomatic relations between South Africa and Nigeria, established in February 1994. These milestones underscore the enduring partnership between the two nations, rooted in shared history and strengthened through formal agreements and ongoing collaboration.
The 2025 economic relationship between South Africa and Nigeria reflects a strategically significant, multi-dimensional partnership anchored in trade, energy security, investment flows, and strong institutional cooperation. While bilateral trade remains structurally imbalanced – with South Africa exporting US$468.48 million and importing $1.69 billion, resulting in a $1.22 billion deficit – this dynamic is largely driven by South Africa’s reliance on Nigerian crude oil, positioning the relationship as one of strategic interdependence rather than imbalance alone.
This partnership is further elevated by the relative economic weight of both countries. According to IMF projections, South Africa’s economy is valued at approximately $443.6 billion, while Nigeria’s stands at around $334.3 billion in nominal terms for 2026. As two of the largest economies on the continent, their bilateral engagement constitutes a central axis of African economic activity, with disproportionate influence on the success of continental integration efforts.
Beyond trade, the relationship is reinforced by deep two-way investment linkages. South African firms -including MTN Group, Shoprite, and Standard Bank – maintain a strong presence in Nigeria, while Nigerian companies such as Access Bank and Paystack have established a growing footprint in South Africa. Although investment flows are asymmetrical and some Nigerian firms have faced operational challenges, these exchanges reflect an emerging bi-directional economic corridor that extends beyond goods trade into services, finance, and digital innovation.
Aligned with Brand South Africa’s mandate to build the country’s global reputation and competitiveness, the week-long programme will convene leaders from government, business, civil society, academia, and the media. Discussions will focus on leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a tool for market access and global positioning, with Nigeria serving as a key focal point.
The South Africa Focus Week has features a series of high-level engagements and cultural activities designed to deepen economic ties and promote collaboration: South Africa–Nigeria Infrastructure Investment Conference (April 22, 2026) which was held under the theme South Africa–Nigeria Partnership: Unlocking Infrastructure Opportunities,” the conference will bring together key stakeholders in infrastructure development to explore collaborative projects in road, rail, and transportation systems.
The forum also examined the role of Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) and facilitated discussions on project financing and implementation with institutions such as the DBSA and Nigeria’s Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).
This was followed by the 2nd Economic Diplomacy Roundtable (Thursday, April 23, 2026), which was hosted in partnership with MTN Nigeria under the theme Role of Technology in Infrastructure Development, the roundtable will convene senior government officials, private sector leaders, and industry experts to identify investment opportunities and strengthen strategic partnerships.
Friday, April 24, was for Arts and Culture Experience, which is a dedicated cultural day will showcase Lagos’ creative spaces and features a panel discussion on South Africa’s arts, film, music, and culture. The programme includes a South African film screening, engagements with filmmakers, and a networking reception aimed at fostering collaboration between the creative industries of both countries.
The event continues on Thursday, April 25, with Freedom Day Celebration and Closing Ceremony. This commemorative event will celebrate 30 years of South Africa’s Constitution, 32 years of freedom and democracy, and the enduring diplomatic relations between South Africa and Nigeria. The ceremony will also provide an opportunity to reflect on outcomes from the week and outline future areas of cooperation.
The celebration forms part of Brand South Africa’s Global South Africans Programme, which recognises and connects South Africans in the diaspora as ambassadors of the nation’s values and identity.
The week climaxes with the 4th edition of the South Africa Golf Tournament at Ikoyi Golf Club on Saturday, April 26, 2026, which will be done in partnership with Crossflex International.
According to a statement, the event aims to strengthen people-to-people relations through sports diplomacy, bringing together South African and Nigerian golfers in a spirit of camaraderie and collaboration.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The former chairman of the defunct Skye Bank Plc, Mr Tunde Ayeni, has been apprehended by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Spokesperson of the anti-money laundering agency, Mr Dele Oyewale, confirmed the arrest of the businessman on Friday but declined to provide further details, according to TheCable.
Mr Ayeni was accused of diverting the N36.5 billion and $30 million loans from Polaris Bank Limited to companies with which he has links.
He was alleged to have obtained the credit facilities for marine security, electricity distribution, and real estate projects, but moved them to telecom investments tied to NITEL/MTEL assets via a NATCOM account.
After the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) revoked the operating licence of Skye Bank in 2018, it nationalised it to Polaris Bank.
The EFCC has been looking into the alleged diversion of funds by Mr Ayeni, resulting in his arrest in Abuja on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
He is being grilled over the matter and would be arraigned in court once the investigation is concluded.
This is not the first time Mr Ayeni has been nabbed and probed by the EFCC, as this happened a few months after his bank lost its licence.
The then acting spokesman for the EFCC, Mr Tony Orilade, said Mr Ayeni was quizzed by detectives over issues related to fraud and embezzlement allegedly committed by him when he was Chairman of the bank a few years ago.
By Adedapo Adesanya
“We are fully committed to working with the new Commissioner of Police and giving all necessary support towards the successful discharge of his responsibilities.”
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