Who is Usoro Akpabio? Key Facts about the Newly Appointed SSDC MD

Usoro Akpabio, a Nigerian development strategist and public administrator, has been appointed as the Managing Director of the South South Development Commission (SSDC) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The announcement, made on May 8, 2025, is seen as a major move in the administration’s efforts to boost inclusive growth and infrastructure development in the South South region.

Usoro Akpabio is from Mbiaya Uruan Village in Uruan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, within the Uyo Senatorial District. Her appointment is being welcomed by observers who say her local knowledge and professional background make her well suited for the role.

Despite sharing the same surname, she is not related to the Senate President, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio. However, she is regarded as a close ally of the Senate President. Her mother, Magdalene Akpabio, is a former South South PDP National Women Leader and has played a major  role in regional politics.

Miss Akpabio is expected to bring a grassroots-informed approach to the SSDC, focusing on regional challenges such as youth unemployment, infrastructure gaps, and inclusive economic planning.

In 2019, Usoro Akpabio received the African Achievers Award for her outstanding contributions to the Energy Sector and her exceptional efforts in Community Outreach and Advocacy through her personal initiative, the Usoro Akpabio Educational Foundation.

Also nominated is Chibudom Nwuche, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives from Rivers State, who is set to serve as Chairman of the Commission.

The President’s request for confirmation of these appointments was written in a letter addressed to the Senate, which was read aloud by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Thursday’s plenary session.

In the letter, President Tinubu also sought the Senate’s approval for the appointment of 16 additional nominees as board members of the Commission, which will be headquartered in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The South-South Development Commission (SSDC) is a newly established federal agency in Nigeria, created to address the unique developmental challenges of the South-South geopolitical zone. This region comprises Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers States.

The SSDC Bill was first introduced in 2024 by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South. The bill faced initial opposition in the Senate, with critics arguing that it duplicated the functions of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). However, the Senate later reconsidered the bill, and it passed the second reading. President Bola Tinubu signed the SSDC Bill into law on March 25, 2025.