The Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (PHCCIMA), is always in search of opportunities to businesses in the oil city. The City Chamber is fighting to create alternative businesses other than oil and gas, though not ignoring the hydrocarbon industry.
Since the days of Emi Membere-Otaji as president, the PHCCIMA has worked to reposition its focus to non-oil businesses especially by attracting foreign business partners to open doors to the business community in the Garden City.
Now, Chinyere Nwoga, the first female president, has revealed to members how best to queue into the wealth avenue of the Chambers. She urged members to dive into chamber programmes to unlock a wealth of business opportunities.
Speaking at the third-quarter General Forum at the PHCCIMA secretariat in Port Harcourt, she highlighted the importance of leveraging the chamber’s resources to fuel business success.
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Nwoga emphasized that active participation in chamber activities is key to reaping the full benefits of membership. The well-attended forum showcased strategic initiatives, including collaborations with the Lagos City chamber, trade group programmes, and member-engagement opportunities, all aimed at driving business growth.
The forum featured discussions on the upcoming 2025 Port Harcourt International Trade Fair with calls for innovative strategies to elevate its global stature and explore franchising opportunities. Trade group leaders delivered impactful presentations.
Fenibo Fubara, ICT Trade Group chairman, advocated for digitizing chamber processes to streamline resource access and attract new members.
Ofon Udofia, Export/Import Trade Group chairman, urged PHCCIMA to push for reduced bureaucratic hurdles at southern ports, addressing International Maritime Organization (IMO) policies causing rate disparities.
Jack Daboikiabo (SME/NGO Trade Group) and Chief Ernest Elochukwu (Membership Committee) shared their groups’ achievements and upcoming events.
The forum also celebrated the induction of 12 new member-companies, with oaths administered by past President Emeka Unachukwu, an engineer and doctorate degree holder in International Trade. Notable attendees included a past president (Vincent Furo), 1st deputy president Isaac Wonwu, Financial Secretary Emmanuel Ogbonda, and Welfare Secretary Florence Nwosibe, all offering valuable insights for chamber progress.
A highlight was the presentation by #StartupSouth organizers, inviting members to leverage their platform to expand markets, attract capital, and strengthen the Rivers State business ecosystem.
