… Fubara urge investors to take advantage of prevailing peace in Rivers
The Rivers State Government has indicated it’s intention to revive moribund industries in the state in its bid boost economic development as well as internally generated revenue (IGR).
Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers State, who was speaking at the opening ceremony of the 18th Port Harcourt International Trade Fair 2025, in Port Harcourt, on Tuesday December 16, 2025, listed the moribund enterprises to include the Port Harcourt International Airport Hotel and the Rivers State Vegetable Oil Company (RIVOC).
Fubara, who was represented by Joseph Johnson, state Commissioner of Commerce and Industry, said his administration “is determined to revive moribund industries across the state. These include the long abandoned Port Harcourt International Airport Hotel, the Ahoada Industrial Estate, the Rivers State Vegetable Oil Company (RIVOC), to mention just a few.”
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The governor said that, “So far, we have received expressions of interest from both locally and willing prospective investors internationally – who are prepared to invest millions of US Dollars into the revival of the Port Harcourt International Airport Hotel, the Ahoada Industrial Estate,” he said.
Fubara commended the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA), organisers of the trade fair, noting that this year’s theme, ‘Growing through Innovation and Sustainability: Bridging Markets and Encouraging Disruptions,’ resonates deeply with his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive across the state.
“I commend the leadership of PHCCIMA for your tireless efforts in promoting trade and industry in our state. This is in tandem with our bold and visionary 37-page blueprint for the economic, industrial and commercial transformation of our state.
“You may wish to recall that when we celebrated our first year in office, we organized a well attended business and economic development summit, which was held in this very venue (Obi Wali cultural centre), where we laid out our well articulated optics for investors to explore.
“Within a short time of my assumption of office, we found it necessary to provide a single digit N4 billion loan scheme to help small and micro enterprises (SMES) in the state, in conjunction with the Bank of Industry (BOI).
“This intervention has began to yield tangible results, as thousands of beneficiaries are leveraging on that programme to keep their businesses running. For those (intending beneficiaries) who are still on the queue, i wish to use this opportunity to assure you that we are determined to ensure that no one is left behind.
“My humble appeal to beneficiaries is; make judicious use of tue fund. and pay back as at when due. to enable others to benefit. it is therefore expedient to clarify that this is a loan scheme which is repayable, and not a grant,” he said.
Chinyere Nwoga, President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA), highlighted “the enduring spirit of collaboration (among private sector stakeholders and government), innovation, and economic resilience that has defined this fair since its inception.”
She pointed out that for nearly two decades, the Port Harcourt International Trade Fair, which “began as a modest platform to showcase local enterprise has evolved into a world-class event, attracting participants from over 20 countries, fostering billions in trade deals, and spotlighting the untapped potential of Rivers State and Nigeria at large.”
Nwoga pointed out that with over 300 exhibitors expected this year, the fair has continued to serve “as a beacon of opportunity in the heart of the Niger Delta.
“This year’s fair is themed ‘Growing Through Innovation and Sustainability: Bridging Markets and Encouraging Disruptions.’ In an era where global economies are rapidly evolving, this theme resonates deeply with our collective aspirations. It calls upon us to harness the power of innovative ideas, embrace sustainable practices, and boldly disrupt traditional paradigms to forge new pathways for growth.
“From renewable energy solutions to digital disruptions in agriculture and manufacturing, we will witness how innovation and sustainability are not just words, but the very engines driving economic resilience and prosperity in Rivers State and beyond,” she said.
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Nwoga commended the Rivers State Government for its unwavering commitment to fostering a thriving business ecosystem, adding that the Siminalayi Fubara administration “has demonstrated exemplary synergy with PHCCIMA, creating an enabling environment for trade and investment to flourish.”
Jani Ibrahim, National President of the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), said the international trade fair has continued to reaffirm Port Harcourt as the commercial gateway to the South-South region of Nigeria.
Ibrahim, who was represented by Emi Membere-Otaji, 1st Deputy National President of NACCIMA, said that the fair creates platform for “showcasing enterprise capabilities, promoting locally produced goods and services, attracting domestic and foreign investments, and facilitating partnerships among the trade sectors, governments, and international business communities.
“This objective aligns clearly with NACCIMA’s mandate to advance private sector development and increasing economic growth nationwide.
“I am particularly encouraged by the emphasis on stakeholder engagement and the promotion of emerging economic opportunities.
“Such leading initiatives include market access for micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises, stimulate innovation, enhanced investor confidence, and promote regional integration, which are all integral elements of building resilience and confidence.
“NACCIMA remains fully committed to supporting its chamber members, particularly PHCCIMA as one of the six premier chambers with advancing trade, promotions, enterprise development, and effective policy advocacy,” Ibrahim said.
