The Chairman of the Governing Board of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC), Chibudom Nwuche, has called on board members and management of the newly established regional agency to uphold strict standards of accountability, transparency, professionalism and teamwork in executing its mandate. Nwuche made the call during the Fourth Regular Meeting of the SSDC Governing Board held in Abuja, where he stressed that the success of the commission depends on collective discipline, institutional loyalty and strict adherence to due process.
The SSDC chairman warned that personal interests, ego battles and internal divisions must not be allowed to undermine the credibility of the commission. He said members must ensure their conduct reflects the expectations of both the Federal Government and the people of the South-South region.
According to him, the commission cannot afford actions that may damage public confidence or weaken its developmental mission. He emphasized that the responsibility placed on the board is national in importance and must be treated with seriousness and discipline.
Nwuche stressed that no single member of the board or management possesses all the expertise required to achieve the commission’s development objectives.
He urged members to embrace teamwork, collaboration and openness to ideas in order to effectively deliver on the mandate. He explained that the SSDC’s mission covers a wide development scope, including infrastructure, transportation, energy, waterways, agriculture, industry and environmental remediation across the South-South region. He added that only a unified and coordinated approach would produce meaningful results.
The SSDC chairman noted that the commission has a limited operational timeline and must act with urgency.
He explained that although the commission was formally announced following presidential approval and Senate confirmation processes in 2025, it was legally established when the President assented to its enabling law on March 25, 2025. He warned that this timeline leaves the current board with less than three years to deliver visible results. According to him, this reality demands discipline, focus and result-oriented execution.
Nwuche acknowledged that the commission has begun receiving overhead funding, while capital allocations are still undergoing budgetary processing. He directed management to begin immediate preparation of project blueprints that include quick-win initiatives as well as medium and long-term development plans. He said such preparation would ensure that implementation begins immediately once full funding is released. He stressed that delays in planning would slow down delivery and undermine the expectations of the people.
The SSDC chairman reminded board members that citizens of the South-South region expect tangible and measurable development outcomes.
He said the commission must position itself as a transparent and accountable institution capable of delivering sustainable impact. Nwuche added that the commission’s mandate is broad and strategic, covering economic transformation and infrastructure development across the region. He insisted that the board must remain focused on results rather than internal disagreements or administrative distractions.
The chairman also emphasized that effective leadership requires humility and openness to collaboration. He urged all members, including executive directors and management staff, to avoid ego-driven decisions that could hinder institutional progress. He noted that the success of the commission depends on strong coordination between the board, management and technical teams.
The meeting was attended by key members of the SSDC Governing Board and management team, including:
Ms Usoro Akpabio, Managing Director/CEO, Barrister Femi Oise Agge, Member/Acting Secretary, Dr Nkereuwem Enong, Alhaji Yusuf Rassq Amao, Member, Engr. Chika Chinda, Member, Charles Zuofa, Member, Joseph Mmamel, Member, Tabitha Iliya Sallah, Hon. Bukonla Braimoh, Rt. Hon. Larry Odey, Dr. Charles Sylvester Emukowhate, Amb. Sony Abang, ED Finance, Hon. Marcus Nle Eji, ED Projects, Dr. Timi Alari Ayibatonye, ED Corporate Services, Hon. Joseph Ugheoke, ED Commercial & Environmental Department, Engr. Aganaba Preye Steven, ED Social & Human Capital Development
Nwuche reiterated that the SSDC carries a heavy responsibility to deliver visible development across the South-South region. He said the commission must operate with discipline, transparency and accountability, warning that failure would amount to a betrayal of public trust. He concluded that only a united and focused leadership team can successfully translate the commission’s mandate into meaningful development outcomes for the region.
