Ambassador Kenule Nwiya Jnr has threatened a N1 billion lawsuit against the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) over the alleged unauthorised use of the “Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit” (NDEIS) name.
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Nwiya, promoter of Ken-Eva Consult Ltd, maintains that he is the original creator of the summit initiative. He states that the name was formally registered in 2023 with the Trademarks, Patents and Designs Registry, and the concept was publicly unveiled in 2024 alongside a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Niger Delta Development (now the Ministry of Regional Development) for a five-year hosting framework.
A previous edition of the summit took place in November 2024 at the Obi-Wali International Conference Centre in Port Harcourt, drawing participation from public and private sector stakeholders.
The dispute comes as NDCCITMA – reportedly established in 2025 – promotes its own inaugural Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit, scheduled for 19–21 May 2026 in Port Harcourt. The event is themed “Renewed Hope for Sustainable Development.”
Nwiya said he learned of the planned event through previous summit participants. His legal representatives, Lord Amachree & Associates, have issued a cease-and-desist notice to NDCCITMA, urging the organisation to refrain from using the summit name.
“Using a similar name could blur distinctions between separate initiatives and may affect existing partnerships and engagements,” he said.
Observers note that the case underscores the growing importance of intellectual property protection within Nigeria’s conference and investment promotion sector.
“The leadership of NDCCITMA lacks credibility, and there is an urgent need for a comprehensive audit. As Niger Deltans, we no longer feel safe or confident in their ability to ensure sustainable partnerships and development,” Nwiya added.
NDCCITMA had not issued an official public response at the time of filing this report.
