By Emmanuel Thomas l Tuesday, Sept 08, 2026
PORT HARCOURT — The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing legal education and human capacity development across universities in the Niger Delta region.
Speaking at the 2026 Moot and Mock Trial Competition held at the Dr. Nabo Graham Douglas Port Harcourt Campus of the Nigerian Law School, Rivers State, the Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, assured stakeholders that the Commission would maintain its strategic support for practical legal training.
Ebie emphasized that practical courtroom simulations play an essential role in shaping confidence, honing advocacy skills, and preparing young legal minds for future challenges.
“We have been deliberate about our interventions in the educational and human capacity development of the people of this region,” Ebie stated. “This is evidenced by the repositioning of our foreign and local Postgraduate Scholarship Programmes, and by the provision of infrastructure, roads, hostels, desks, and other learning facilities across many higher institutions in the Niger Delta.”
In his address, NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, highlighted the Commission’s efforts to deepen partnerships with the Judiciary, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and the wider legal sector.
He called for a modern curriculum tailored to global realities such as artificial intelligence and the clean energy transition.
”We strongly believe that law, when deployed effectively and efficiently, can be a catalyst for rapid, sustainable development in our region,” Ogbuku noted, urging participants to leverage their insights toward driving local progress.
The event drew praise from prominent figures in the legal profession:
Hon. Justice Mary Odili (Rtd.): The retired Supreme Court Justice commended the NDDC for sponsoring the competition, noting that practical courtroom experience complements classroom teaching.
Olumide Akpata: The 30th NBA President highlighted the value of practical legal skills, remarking that “advocacy is the bedrock of the legal profession” and noting that adaptability and critical thinking remain irreplaceable by technology.
Prof. Chinonso Mmuozoba: The Deputy Director-General of the Nigerian Law School (Port Harcourt Campus) lauded the NDDC’s ongoing infrastructure and educational interventions, stating that human capacity development is critical to regional growth.
Highlighting the scope of the event, NDDC Director of Legal Services, Mr. Victor Arenyeka, explained that the competition brings together law students from across the region to analyze legal issues tailored to the local socio-political context, including environmental law, petroleum industry legislation, and oil and gas regulations.
Key Takeaways: NDDC Educational Interventions
Focus Area: Strategic support for legal training, advocacy skills, and practical courtroom capacity.
Key Interventions: Local/foreign postgraduate scholarships, host community infrastructure, and specialized legal competitions.
Core Legal Topics Covered: Environmental Law, Petroleum Industry Laws, Oil & Gas Legislation, and Regional Sustainable Development.
