Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has charged the newly inaugurated South South Development Commission (SSDC) with the responsibility of delivering tangible development and aligning its mission with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Akpabio gave the charge on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the Commission’s board and management team at the National Assembly, Abuja.

He described the establishment of the SSDC as a historic opportunity for the South South region to harness its full potential and broaden its development agenda beyond oil-producing areas.

“The ball is now in your court to add value to the South South region through this Commission,” Akpabio said. “This is not a bonanza. It is a call to service—a call to put on your thinking cap and contribute meaningfully to the economy and the Renewed Hope agenda of the President who made this Commission possible.”

Akpabio expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for creating the SSDC, describing it as a testament to the federal government’s recognition of the South South region’s contributions to Nigeria’s economy

“The Niger Delta has been good to Nigeria. We have kept the economy going. Now, this Commission offers us a new platform to unlock other resources in the region,” he said.

He also lauded the National Assembly for passing the SSDC bill into law, despite initial concerns over overlap with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). Akpabio emphasized that the SSDC’s scope extends beyond oil communities to every part of the South South geopolitical zone.

Akpabio assured the Commission of the National Assembly’s commitment to ensuring adequate funding, pledging continued support to enable the body to implement transformational projects across the six states of the region.

“You can count on me, my office, and my colleagues. We will support you to take off fully and execute big-ticket projects that will bring pride to our people,” he said.

Chairman of the SSDC board, Prince Chibudom Nwuche, thanked the President and lawmakers for their role in the Commission’s establishment, and pledged to lead a results-oriented team committed to transparency and impact.

“Under my leadership, we will keep faith with the core mandate of the SSDC. We will avoid the mistakes of the past and ensure our people feel the presence of government in their lives,” he said.

The Commission’s pioneer Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Usoro Akpabio, also commended the Senate’s vision and promised to spearhead sustainable development across the region.

“This Commission will align with other development agencies and collaborate with the states while delivering on our independent mandate. We will unlock the potentials and stranded wealth of the South South and be a role model for other agencies,” she assured.

According to her, the SSDC’s focus will span both human capital development and infrastructure renewal, with a long-term strategy to empower communities and harness untapped talent in the region.

The SSDC, officially established by an Act of the National Assembly, is expected to drive economic and social development across the South South geopolitical zone, including Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers States.