…Welcomes Joe Johnson, new commerce commissioner
The Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (PHCCIMA), believed to be the leader of the organized private sector (OPS) in Rivers State, has given tips to reignite the state’s economy after the six months’ lull.
The tips were dished by Chinyere Nwoga, the first female president of the Chamber, to Joe Johnson, the newly posted Commissioner of Commerce and Industry.
Nwoga and other important leaders past and present of the Chamber listed to Johnson and noted the offer for closer relationship between the Sim Fubara-led resurgent administration and assured the commissioner of PHCCIMA’s unwavering support.
Nwoga said: “We stand ready to partner fully in trade promotion, easing the business environment, and empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs).”
While noting that this is the first time that a Commissioner of Commerce visited the Chamber for interactions, she thanked Gov Fubara for his commitment to growing commerce through collaboration with PHCCIMA.
The meeting drew broad support from PHCCIMA’s leadership. Vincent Furo, an engineer, who is a past president, lauded the visit as a positive step, pledging the Chamber’s backing for government-led commerce initiatives. Nabil Saleh, another past president, stressed the importance of investor-confidence, urging assurances that new investments would be nurtured and sustained in the state. They all said the returning administration has demonstrated readiness to work with the OPS.
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She reiterated PHCCIMA’s dedication to advancing commerce and industry for the state’s prosperity, and the readiness of the PHCCIMA to be a dependable ally in growing the economy of Rivers State.
Earlier while stating his mission, Johnson, who was information commission in the Fubara administration before the emergency rule, underscored the critical need for public-private partnerships to transform the state into a vibrant commerce hub.
He remarked: “The Chamber plays a pivotal role in driving business growth here in Rivers State.” He extended hands of fellowship, saying PHCCIMA was the first place he visited.
He called for intensive collaboration on trade missions, investment drives, and business facilitation, while outlining government initiatives to attract investors and expand industrial opportunities.
Johnson expressed optimism about future engagements, pledging to return for deeper discussions with the PHCCIMA leadership. He highlighted ongoing efforts to lure investors, emphasizing that retaining them required a supportive ecosystem built through joint action.
Emeka Unachukwu, also a past president, echoed the call for an enabling environment to draw and retain capital.
Other members of the team such as Isaac Wonwu (first deputy president), Emmanuel Ogbonda (financial secretary), Florence Nwosibe (welfare secretary), all lent their voices to the call for collaboration with PHCCIMA.
Ends/
Cover photo:
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L-R: Isaac Wonwu, Vincent Fura, Chinyere Nwoga, Joe Johnson, Emeka Unachukwu, Nabil Saleh
