South-South Development Boss Meets Vice President Shettima, Pledges to Drive Economic Transformation

By Asuquo Edem

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC), Ms. Usoro Akpabio, has reaffirmed her commitment to fast-tracking economic growth in the South-South region following a high-level meeting with Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, GCON.

During a courtesy visit to the Vice President on August 13, 2025, Akpabio discussed strategic plans aimed at unlocking the vast but underutilized potential of the oil-rich region. The discussions centred on key priorities including economic diversification through Special Economic Zones (SEZs), agro-processing, small and medium-scale enterprise (SME) support, human capital development in education and health, skills acquisition, and youth empowerment.

Security enhancement and major infrastructure projects also topped the agenda, with the Vice President urging the SSDC boss to work with renewed focus in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for accelerated regional development.

“Shettima expressed confidence in my capacity to deliver on these priorities,” Akpabio said, adding that she remains determined to translate this presidential mandate into measurable progress for the South-South and Nigeria at large.

The meeting signals a strong alignment between the Presidency and the SSDC on a shared roadmap to transform the region into a hub of economic innovation, stability, and inclusive growth.

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