Niger Delta Must Break from Six Decades of Extraction, Says Alaibe

Former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Chief Ndutimi Alaibe, emphasized during the 2026 Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit that the region must break away from its six-decade-long dependence on raw-material extraction. Alaibe, speaking at the summit in Port Harcourt, called for a strategic shift towards becoming a production, processing, logistics and trading hub for West and Central Africa.

He highlighted the region's enduring poverty and infrastructure challenges despite decades of oil production, stating that the fundamental question is not about how much crude oil can be extracted, but how effectively natural and human resources can be transformed into sustainable economic opportunities. Alaibe pointed out that while the region has long been a major trading center for palm oil, the transition to petroleum has altered its economic focus.

He urged the development of a comprehensive approach that incorporates accountability, economic integration, and support for indigenous enterprises. He also pointed out that the region's potential lies in reclaiming its commercial heritage, leveraging its entrepreneurial spirit, and building the necessary infrastructure to compete globally.

Alaibe stressed the importance of integrated economic corridors that link production centers to processing facilities, logistics platforms, and markets. He also advocated for the development of the blue economy, utilizing the region's waterways for fisheries, aquaculture, marine engineering, ship repair, fabrication, and coastal tourism.

In terms of security, Alaibe identified it as essential infrastructure, noting that insecurity in port corridors, waterways, and industrial zones raises costs and deters investment. He called for stronger accountability in regional development planning and urged governments to ensure that master plans are implemented. Alaibe welcomed the emergence of platforms like the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce to support small and medium-sized enterprises, emphasizing that regional development should empower entrepreneurs.

He concluded by advocating for a new chapter where the Niger Delta becomes a production and trading powerhouse, connecting farms, factories, waterways, ports, airports, and entrepreneurs to serve the wider African market.