A major legal battle is brewing over the planned “Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit” (NDEIS) 2026, as the promoter of the original summit, Mr. Kenule Nwiya Junior, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) to cease use of the name or face court action.
In a strongly worded letter by his solicitors, Lord Amachree & Associates, the claimant accused NDCCITMA of trademark infringement and passing off, describing its planned “inaugural” summit in Port Harcourt as a calculated attempt to appropriate an already established brand identity.
The legal team asserted that their client is the “pioneer and originator of the NDEIS brand,” noting that the summit has previously been held with backing from key stakeholders, including the Rivers State Government and federal agencies, thereby establishing goodwill and credibility in the region.
Citing statutory protections, the solicitors disclosed that the brand had secured formal recognition from the Trademark, Patents and Designs Registry in Abuja, adding that the name was duly advertised without opposition, conferring exclusive rights on their client for its use in economic and investment summits.
They further argued that the adoption of the identical name by NDCCITMA for a similar event in the same city creates “a clear likelihood of confusion,” capable of misleading sponsors, partners, and the general public into assuming an affiliation that does not exist.
The letter warned of severe consequences if the alleged infringement persists, stating: “Should you fail, refuse, or neglect to comply within seven days, we shall commence legal proceedings and seek an interlocutory injunction to restrain your event from holding.” It added.
“Your use of the name constitutes a brazen act of passing off and a direct infringement on our client’s proprietary rights.”
The solicitors also indicated that beyond litigation, further steps would be taken to protect the brand, including petitions to government authorities and notifications to sponsors.
“We shall not hesitate to seek substantial damages for the losses occasioned,” the letter stated, adding, “Your actions threaten to dilute the brand’s exclusivity and undermine years of investment and reputation.”
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