ACCIAC Centre: Boost to Delta's commercial ecosystem, affirms Oborevwori ~ Truth Reporters

By Andy Emephia

As the Asaba Chamber of Commerce international Arbitration Commission ( ACClAC) centre is commissioned on Thursday 3rd July , 2025, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has affirmed that Delta,s commercial ecosystem has received a significant boost

The Governor stated also, that Asaba now joins the ranks of cities shaping the future of Arbitration in Africa, as well as becoming a hub for legal professionals , business leaders, and innovators

The State Governor who made these remarks during the official commissioning of the ACCIAC centre in Asaba , the Delta state capital, expressed his delight that the centre will now provide a transparent and efficient alternative to litigation, modelled after global institutions like the international Chamber of Commerce , thus justifying confidence to operate in the state , knowing that their rights and interests are protected

Represented by the Commissioner for Trade and investments , Hon Samuel Oligida , Governor Onorevwori disclosed that since assumption of office , his administration has pursued bold reforms to advance trade and investment, through the MORE agenda

Specifically, the Governor said, 317 road projects , particularly the Ughelli-Asaba highway which has reduced travel time tremendously between major hubs of Asaba and Warri, have been completed , bearing in mind that infrastructure is critical for commerce

Oborevwori also added that projects such as the     17.5 km Second Niger bridge , and the ongoing Asaba international Market , will further enhance trade logistics and registered commerce

The Delta State Governor who further announced that support for small businesses through the MORE grant scheme wherein over 5,400 petty traders , artisans and women entrepreneurs have received direct financial assistance to grow their businesses , have been prioritized , announced that approval has been given for a #1billion support which will be run by the Bank of industry ( BOI) for SMEs to improve on their businesses and enhance economic activities in the state

In her welcome address , the President of the Asaba Chamber of Commerce , industry , Mines and Agriculture ( ASACCIMA), Hon Chinwe Monu- Oduah, Esq, said the body is dedicated to supporting businesses and promoting economic growth in Delta State

Noting that this is the first time ASACCIMA will be housing an Arbitration Court for commercial disputes resolution in its history , Monu- Oduah  sued for the partnership of the Asagba of Asaba , HRM Prof Epiphany Azinge, SAN, in creating a robust relationship with government, stakeholders and relevant MDAs towards achieving set common goals

Chairman of ACCIAC, Chief Anthony lkemefuna ldigbe , SAN, described the event as a moment of public awareness, a call to industry ,legal practitioners, engineers , architects, accountants, and all stakeholders , to embrace and utilize the centre

While stating that the idea behind the Asaba Chamber of Commerce international Arbitration Centre is to decentralize access to alternative dispute resolution ( ADR) mechanisms by bringing them closer to the people , Chief Idigbe , SAN, added that "to create a hub that not only serves Delta State , but the entire South South and South East regions of the country , is the ultimate desire for the setting up of the ACClAC  in the area.

He noted that by virtue of the approval , by the Delta State government, through the ministry of Trade and investments , with advice from the Justice ministry , as well as the Federal Attorney General,s office , of the "no objection" , and consequent on the registration of the body by the Corporate Affairs Commission ( CAC) , the Asaba Chamber of Commerce industrial Arbitration Centre "is now a duly incorporated legal entity under Nigerian law"

Goodwill messages by the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice , Ekeme Ohwovoriole , SAN, the State DACCIMA and NBA Asaba branch Chairmen , respectively , touched on the importance of birthing the centre in Asaba

Highpoint of the occasion was the commissioning of the centre by the Asagba of Asaba , as well as the constitution of the Panel of Neutrals , led by Chief Anthony Idigbe, SAN, who will adjudicate over arbitration matters brought before the ACCIAC

Other members of the Panel of Neutrals include Isaiah Bozimo , SAN, Chief Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, Prof Andrew Chukwumere, SAN ,Chief Mrs Lizzy ldigbe , Laura Alakija , and Emokiniovo Dafe Akpedeye, among others