Geographically, the South-South region of Nigeria is made up of states located along the Atlantic coast. They are also a major part of the Niger Delta, a crucial area for oil and gas production in Nigeria.
For this reason, states of the Niger Delta, especially those in the South-South, face developmental challenges related to environmental degradation from oil activities, conflicts over resources, and inadequate investment in infrastructure and social amenities despite the region’s significant economic contribution.
These necessitated the establishment of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC). SSDC was signed into existence in Mar 2025 by Pres. Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The SSDC establishment act reveals that the commission was charged with formulating policies, planning and implementing projects for sustainable development in the South-South region.
In furtherance of its role, SSDC is allowed to survey the region, and prepare master plans for physical and socio-economic growth. This would span across areas like transportation, health, education, and infrastructure; promoting development and estimating costs for implementing plans and schemes effectively within the region.
On May 8 2025, President Bola Tinubu appointed Usoro Offiong Akpabio as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the newly established South-South Development Commission (SSDC). Miss Akpabio is a seasoned public servant and strategist from one of the South-South states (Akwa Ibom State). By this appointment, she is expected to be at the forefront of driving development initiatives in the South-South region, while carrying other members of the commission along.
Other appointees include; Larry Odey (Cross River), Charles Zuofa (Bayelsa), Nkereuwem Ebong (Akwa Ibom), Chika Chinedu (Rivers), Femi Oise (Edo), Charles Enukhowhate (Delta), Tijani Kaura (north-west), Tabitha Sallah (north-east), Yusuf Amao (north-central), Joseph Mmamal (south-east), and Bukonola Braimoh (south-west).
Miss Usoro Akpabio hails from the Ibibio ethnic group of Akwa Ibom state and received her primary and secondary education in Uyo. Subsequently, she obtained a degree in Political Science, through which she developed deeper knowledge of governance, public policy, and community engagement. During her undergraduate years, she participated actively in student union activities and civic outreach projects, honing her organisational and communication skills. These experiences laid a strong foundation for her future career in regional growth and inclusive development.
Throughout her career, Miss Akpabio has garnered expertise in public administration, political strategy, and community development. Upon her graduation, she joined a state government ministry as a policy analyst, where she researched rural infrastructure challenges and proposed practical solutions to improve road access and school facilities. Her commendable work led to her involvement in various task forces focused on youth empowerment and women’s health.
She has also played pivotal roles in political campaigns and planning committees, advising local candidates and facilitating connections with grassroots communities.
As her network continued to expand across the South-South region, Miss Akpabio’s contribution to initiatives such as small-scale solar power projects and vocational training centres demonstrated her commitment to empowering communities with skills and resources. By her late thirties, she had established a reputation as a changemaker who can translate bold ideas into actionable plans.
These unique skills and experiences capture Usoro Akpabio’s suitability for the role of Managing Director/CEO of the SSDC. She is equipped with the basic leadership attributes, which are needed to work with other members of the commission to drive developmental progress within the South-South region. Most outstanding of these are her abilities to connect with grassroot communities and transform unseeming ideas into actionable plans. With these alone, she will be able to drive the commission to satisfy the mandate behind its formation.
There is no doubt that with the community-driven Usoro Akpabio at the helm of affairs, there will be a tale of progress and notable achievements to tell about the SSDC in the coming days. This would be buttressed by the manifestation of a much expected development and expansion of opportunities for the South-South states and the Niger-Delta region at large.
