Abuja – June 27, 2025
The Nigerian Senate has officially confirmed the appointment of Chibudom Nwuche, Unyime Akpabio, daughter of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and 16 other nominees as members of the governing board of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC).
The confirmation, which followed the adoption of the report presented by the Senate Committee on Niger Delta, marks a significant step toward operationalizing the newly created Commission, aimed at accelerating development in the oil-rich South-South geopolitical zone.
The confirmed nominees are expected to drive regional development initiatives, coordinate infrastructure delivery, and promote socio-economic advancement across states in the region, including Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Bayelsa, Delta, and Edo.
Former House of Representatives Deputy Speaker, Hon. Chibudom Nwuche, who hails from Rivers State, was named Chairman of the Commission. Unyime Akpabio, a development advocate, was confirmed as one of the board members representing Akwa Ibom.
Senate President Akpabio, who stepped aside during the confirmation process in accordance with legislative protocols, noted that the Commission is “a bold legislative move to bring meaningful development to a region that has long contributed immensely to the nation’s economy but continues to face developmental challenges.”
The SSDC is expected to work closely with state governments, traditional institutions, youth and women groups, and development partners to implement strategic programmes in education, healthcare, infrastructure, environmental restoration, and economic empowerment.
The board members are scheduled to be inaugurated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the coming days.
