Senate Screens Usoro Akpabio for SSDC Role

The Senate Committee on the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) has successfully concluded the screening of Usoro Akpabio as the pioneer Managing Director/CEO of the newly constituted Commission. The screening session held in the Senate building was presided over by the Committee Chairman, Senator Benson Sunday Konbowei.

Akpabio appeared before the Committee following an official nomination and invitation process initiated earlier this month. During the session, committee members engaged her on a wide range of topics relevant to the SSDC’s developmental mandate, including infrastructure strategy, regional coordination mechanisms, and stakeholder engagement across the South-South geopolitical zone.

According to committee sources, Akpabio provided comprehensive responses and demonstrated deep familiarity with both the structural challenges and investment opportunities in the region. Her performance reportedly earned bipartisan commendation from committee members, who expressed confidence in her capacity to lead the SSDC’s foundational efforts.

The screening commemorates a critical procedural step in the formalization of the Commission, which was established to drive inclusive development, environmental remediation, youth empowerment, and economic diversification across Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, Edo, Delta, and Cross River States.

Following the successful screening, Akpabio’s confirmation by the full Senate is expected soon.