The Rivers State Government has reiterated its commitment to creating a more enabling environment for businesses and investors, as the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency (RSIPA) convened a breakout session with stakeholders during the 18th Port Harcourt International Trade Fair.
The session, held on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at the Obi Wali Cultural Centre, Port Harcourt, brought together business operators, investors, regulators, and representatives of federal and state government agencies to exchange ideas and propose policy recommendations aimed at improving the state’s business climate.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Special Guest at the event, was represented by the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Warisenibo Joe Johnson. Speaking on behalf of the Governor, the Commissioner reaffirmed the administration’s determination to open up Rivers State for investment by deliberately removing bottlenecks that hinder ease of doing business.
He assured participants that the Fubara-led administration remains committed to reforms and policies that promote investor confidence, transparency, and sustainable economic growth across the state.
In his remarks, the Director-General of RSIPA, Dr. Chamberlain S. Peterside, called for sustained and deliberate efforts to address perception risks that have continued to discourage investment in Rivers State. He emphasized the Agency’s readiness to collaborate with federal agencies and other stakeholders to tackle identified challenges and change long-standing narratives portraying the state as unsafe for investment.
Dr. Peterside also urged investors to take advantage of the numerous opportunities available in Rivers State, assuring them of government support through RSIPA’s One-Stop Investment Centre, where all investment-related enquiries can be processed at the Agency’s headquarters, Chief Emmanuel Aguma House, No. 4 Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.
Responding on behalf of the private sector, investors commended the Rivers State Government and Governor Fubara for their resolve to create a business-friendly environment. They praised the establishment of RSIPA and called for legal backing to ensure the sustainability of the Agency, while reaffirming their confidence in Rivers State as an emerging investment destination.
The event was attended by representatives of key federal agencies, including the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Participants also recalled the recent allocation of office space by Governor Fubara to the NIPC in Port Harcourt for the establishment of its first South-South Regional Office, describing the move as a further demonstration of the administration’s pro-investment agenda.
By Nzeuzor Jane and Maduadugwo Jane, Port-Harcourt
