The Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) has rejected claims that it appropriated the concept and name of the Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit (NDEIS) from Mr. Kunle Nwiwa Junior.
The Chamber described the allegations as misleading, mischievous, provocative and a misrepresentation of the facts.
In a statement issued by its management, NDCCITMA said it independently applied for and obtained a Trademark Acceptance Letter for the Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit (NDEIS) in August 2025 under File No. NG/TM/O/2025/387284, following due regulatory procedures.
According to the Chamber, the chronology of events contradicts the allegation that it copied or relied on any pending application by another party.
The statement said: “While Mr. Nwiwa Junior’s application was reportedly still pending before the relevant authorities in September 2025, NDCCITMA had already completed its own application process and received its Trademark Acceptance Letter in August 2025.”
NDCCITMA argued that the term “Economic Summit” is a generic expression widely used by governments, investors, businesses and development institutions across the world to discuss economic policies, investment opportunities and development priorities.
It stressed that the use of such terminology does not confer exclusive ownership of the concept on any individual or organisation, adding that a clear distinction must be made between a general concept and legally protected intellectual property rights such as registered trademarks.
The Chamber confirmed that the dispute is currently before the courts, with September 22, 2026 fixed for further hearing.
It disclosed that in Suit No: FHC/PHC/CS/57/2026 filed at the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, Justice Stephen Dalyop Pam granted an interim injunction restraining Mr. Kunle Nwiwa Junior and Keneva Consult Ltd. from allegedly interfering with the planned summit.
NDCCITMA also alleged that it has records of a demand purportedly made by Mr. Nwiwa Junior seeking N500 million as a condition for withdrawing his claims against the Chamber, noting that the demand was rejected outright.
The Chamber further revealed that it had petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over what it described as repeated harassment and threats directed at its officials, requesting appropriate intervention, including the invitation and questioning of Mr. Nwiwa Junior.
It noted that despite the legal dispute, it remains committed to allowing the courts and relevant authorities to determine all outstanding issues while it continues to pursue its mandate of promoting commerce, industry, trade, agriculture, investment and sustainable economic development across the Niger Delta region.
Meanwhile, preparations have been concluded for the 2026 Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit, which is expected to be formally declared open by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on September 15, 2026, at the Obi Wali Conference Centre, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The summit will be held under the theme: “Driving Investment, Innovation and Industrial Growth in the Niger Delta.”
