The Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) has rejected claims that it appropriated or 'stole' the idea of Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit from another organisation whose application was reportedly pending before the Federal Ministry of Trade. NDCCITMA considers the allegation misleading and wishes to set the record straight: the concept of an Economic Summit is broad and widely recognised globally, and use of the term does not establish exclusive ownership.
More importantly, the chronology does not support the allegation: while the said application was reportedly still pending before the Ministry of Trade as at September 2025, NDCCITMA had already received approval from the Ministry of Trade in August 2025. NDCCITMA did not rely on, copy, or appropriate the pending application of any other party. It is also important to distinguish between a concept and legally protected intellectual property.
In Suit No: FHC/PHC/CS/57/2026 filed on same subject matter in Port Harcourt by the petitioner, the learned Judge had restrained the plaintiff from further interfering with the Summit being planned by NDCCITMA. NDCCITMA urges the public, stakeholders and the media to disregard any narrative unless supported by verifiable facts and relevant legal documentation, and maintains its activities and identity were developed independently and through appropriate regulatory channels.
The organisation remains focused on promoting commerce, industry, trade, agriculture, investment and sustainable economic development across the Niger Delta region. Signed: Management, NDCCITMA.
