NDCCITMA Vows Not To Succumb To Cheap Blackmail Over Trademark As Summit Opens Sept. 15 In Port Harcourt

The Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) has rejected claims that it appropriated the idea of the “Niger Delta Economic & Investment Summit (NDEIS)” from Mr. Kunle Nwiwa Junior, describing the allegations as misleading and mischievous.

In a statement issued by the Chamber’s management, NDCCITMA said it applied for and received a Trademark Acceptance Letter for the name “Niger Delta Economic & Investment Summit (NDEIS)” in August 2025, under File No. NG/TM/O/2025/387284, after following the required regulatory process.

The Chamber stated it therefore rejects any suggestion that it copied, appropriated or relied on another party’s pending application in adopting the name and developing the Summit.

According to NDCCITMA, the chronology of events does not support the claims being circulated.

It said that while Mr. Nwiwa Junior’s application was reportedly still pending in September 2025, the Chamber had already completed its own application and obtained its Trademark Acceptance Letter in August 2025.

The Chamber also noted that the term “Economic Summit” is a generic description widely used for platforms where governments, investors, businesses and development institutions discuss economic policy and investment opportunities.

It added that such terminology does not confer exclusive ownership of the underlying concept, which must be distinguished from legally protected intellectual property rights.

NDCCITMA said the matter is currently before the courts. The case is in Suit No. FHC/PHC/CS/57/2026 at the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt.

The Chamber stated that Honourable Justice Stephen Dalyop Pam granted an interim injunction restraining the defendants, Mr. Kunle Nwiwa Junior and Keneva Consult Ltd., from further interfering with the planned Summit by NDCCITMA.

The order also directed the defendants to take down statements allegedly made against the integrity, name, activities and reputation of the Plaintiff/Applicant in publications, circulars, notices, petitions, social media, correspondence or directives, pending the hearing and determination of the Applicant’s Motion for Interlocutory Injunction.

Further hearing in the matter is scheduled for September 22, 2026.

NDCCITMA said there is no court order stopping the Niger Delta Economic & Investment Summit, and described any contrary impression in media publications as misleading and an attempt to interfere with its lawful activities.

The Chamber stated that it has on record a previous demand attributed to Mr. Nwiwa Junior for ₦500,000,000 as a condition for abandoning his claim. NDCCITMA said the demand was rejected.

It added that following what it described as repeated harassment and threats directed at its officials, it petitioned the Inspector-General of Police for appropriate intervention, including inviting Mr. Nwiwa Junior for questioning and caution.

NDCCITMA reaffirmed its commitment to allowing the courts and relevant authorities to determine outstanding issues while it continues its mandate of promoting commerce, industry, trade, agriculture, investment and sustainable economic development across the Niger Delta region.

The Chamber announced that the 2026 Niger Delta Economic & Investment Summit will hold from September 15 to 17, 2026 at the Obi Wali Conference Centre, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

It said the event will be declared open by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.

The theme of the summit is “Driving Investment, Innovation & Industrial Growth in the Niger Delta.”