The Rivers State Government in South-South Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to creating a transparent, predictable, inclusive, and investment-friendly business environment to drive economic growth and sustainable development in the state.
The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, made the declaration during the Technical Workshop on Business-Enabling Reforms and Investment Competitiveness, organised by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), in collaboration with the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency (RSIPA), in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, the governor said his administration remains focused on positioning Rivers State as a preferred investment destination through policies and reforms that encourage business growth and economic prosperity.
According to him, Rivers State occupies a strategic position in Nigeria’s economic landscape, with significant advantages including a vibrant population, abundant natural resources, strategic maritime assets and a thriving entrepreneurial culture.
“As one of Nigeria’s leading commercial and industrial hubs, Rivers State possesses enormous potential. Our responsibility is to transform these advantages into sustainable economic opportunities through deliberate reforms, strong institutions and effective governance,” he stated.
Governor Fubara stressed that his administration is determined to build a business environment that attracts both local and international investors while fostering enterprise development and innovation across key sectors of the economy.
He noted that successful economies across the world have demonstrated that growth accelerates when governments provide enabling conditions for businesses to thrive, adding that this understanding continues to guide the state’s support for initiatives that promote investment, improve institutional coordination and enhance economic competitiveness.
Describing the workshop as a valuable platform for stakeholders, the governor said the forum would provide an opportunity to assess existing challenges, exchange practical experiences and develop solutions aimed at strengthening the state’s investment ecosystem.
He added that it would also help align government policies and programmes with global best practices while remaining responsive to local realities and developmental needs.
Earlier, the Director-General of PEBEC, Princess Zahrah Audu, commended the Rivers State Government for providing the platform to enlighten stakeholders on business-enabling reforms and investment opportunities.
She explained that PEBEC, established by the Presidency, is committed to strengthening business enterprises and unlocking vast economic opportunities across the country.
Audu further reiterated the Nigerian Government’s commitment to implementing bold economic reforms aimed at boosting investor confidence and strengthening Nigeria’s business climate.
She emphasised that the country’s economic transformation requires strong collaboration and alignment among the Federal, State and Local Governments.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Peterside Chamberline, said the agency’s mandate is to create an environment where businesses can thrive, jobs can be created and taxes can be administered efficiently for the benefit of citizens.
“We know that private sector investment is the driver of economic development and progress. We are creating and making Rivers State the preferred investment destination,” he said.
The workshop brought together government officials, policymakers, private sector operators and other stakeholders committed to improving the ease of doing business and enhancing investment competitiveness in Rivers State.
