SENATE CONFIRMS NEW SSDC BOARD, TASKS THEM WITH REBUILDING SOUTH‑SOUTH REGION

The Senate has confirmed the appointment of the new Board of the South‑South Development Commission (SSDC), charging its members with tackling the pressing economic, environmental, and infrastructural challenges of Nigeria’s oil‑rich South‑South zone.
During the screening exercise conducted by the Senate Committee on the SSDC, chaired by Senator Benson Kombowei, the nominees were urged to focus on sustainable and inclusive development. “The crises facing the region — ranging from environmental pollution and resource mismanagement to infrastructural decay — can only be resolved through focused, deliberate efforts that benefit the people,” Kombowei said.
The confirmed appointees include Rt. Hon. Chibudom Nwuche (Chairman), Usoro Offiong Akpabio (Managing Director), Marcus Nie Eji (Executive Director, Projects), Aganaba Preye Steven (Executive Director, Social & Human Capital Development), Dr. Timi Alari Ayibatonye (Executive Director, Corporate Services), Joseph Ugheoke (Executive Director, Commercial & Environmental Development), and Ambassador Sony Abang (Executive Director, Finance).
Additional confirmed members comprise representatives from across Nigeria’s six geo‑political zones, including Larry Odey (Cross River), Charles Zuofa (Bayelsa), Dr. Nkereuwem Ebong (Akwa Ibom), Chika Chinedu (Rivers), Femi Oise (Edo), and others.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong, emphasized the need for teamwork and inclusive leadership. He expressed optimism about Akpabio, one of the few female MDs of a development commission, stating, “Your role will be vital in ensuring synergy within the Board and making sure that every state in the region feels the benefits of SSDC’s intervention.”
In her remarks, Akpabio promised a balanced approach to planning and executing SSDC projects across all South‑South states. She emphasized that special attention would be paid to rural communities, especially in the health sector, citing the lessons learned from the pandemic. “We will prioritise equity, measure project outcomes, and invest in human capital to create long‑term benefits for underserved areas,” she stated.