NDDC Moot Court: 16 Law Faculties Battle for Honours

Sixteen law faculties from universities across the Niger Delta are engaging in the 2026 Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Annual Moot Court and Mock Trial Competition, according to Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt. The event's importance lies in its role in building confidence and advocacy skills of young legal minds, according to Chiedu Ebie, Chairman of the NDDC's 7th Governing Board.

Moot court competitions offer students opportunities to hone courtroom presentation and advocacy skills, gaining practical experience beyond the classroom, Ebie explained. Dr Samuel Ogbuku, NDDC Managing Director, stated that the competition, now in its third year, is part of the Commission's commitment to educational and human-capacity development in the Niger Delta.

Participants are required to address legal issues tied to socio-economic and environmental challenges of the region, proposing legal solutions. Dr Ogbuku urged educational stakeholders to adapt curricula to global realities, including energy transition and artificial intelligence. Olumide Akpata, 30th President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), praised the NDDC for sustaining the initiative, calling investment in young legal professionals a meaningful contribution to the region's future.

He appealed for the revival of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Commission and the NBA, promising the Association's readiness to collaborate more deeply. Former Supreme Court Justice and Rivers State University President, Hon. Justice Mary Odili, urged participants to value the experience gained, emphasizing its long-term relevance.

Legal Services Director of the NDDC, Victor Arenyeka, noted that the competition exposes students to various legal fields, promoting teamwork, networking, intellectual development, and regional integration among participating universities.