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—as PHCCIMA assures support
President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA), Dr. Chinyere Nwoga along with past presidents and executive council members has commended the State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr. Joe Johnson over what the termed his proactive engagement with the private sector in the State.
The PHCCIMA leadership made the commendations during a courtesy visit by Mr. Johnson to the Chambers corporate headquarters in Port Harcourt. Speaking during the visit, the commissioner harped on the critical needs for public-private partnerships to transform the state into a vibrant commerce hub. Mr. Johnson noted that the Chamber plays a pivotal role in driving business growth in the State, and expressed his appreciation to the body for the warm reception accorded him by the body. He called for intensified collaboration on trade missions, investment drives, and business facilitations, while outlining government initiatives to attract investors and expand industrial opportunities.
Mr. Johnson expressed optimism about future engagements, pledging to return for deeper discussions with Dr. Nwoga and her team. He highlighted ongoing efforts to lure investors to the State emphasizing that retaining them requires a supportive ecosystem built through joint efforts..
Responding, Dr. Nwoga assured the commissioner of PHCCIMA’s unwavering support. “We stand ready to partner fully in trade promotion, easing the business environment and empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs),” she said, The President reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment towsrds aligning with the Ministry’s vision.
The meeting drew broad support from PHCCIMA’s leadership with one of the Past President of the body, Dr. Engr. Vincent Furo lauding the visit as a positive step and pledged the Chamber’s support for government-led commerce initiatives. Chief Nabil Saleh, another past president, stressed the importance of boosting investor’s confidence and gave the assurances that new investments would be nurtured and sustained in the state.
Dr. Emeka Unachukwu, also a past President, echoed the call for an enabling environment to draw and retain capital. Elected Council Member Engr. Dr. Virgilus Ezugu advocated for targeted reforms to revitalize the Trans-Amadi Industrial Layout and surrounding companies, a key economic engine in need of urgent revival.
PHCCIMA’s First Deputy President, Chief Engr. Isaac Wonwu, welcomed Mr. Johnson and reiterated the Chamber’s eagerness to fortify commerce and industry through collaborations. Financial Secretary Surv. Emmanuel Ogbonda highlighted the urgency of scaling business growth, while Welfare Secretary Amb. Mrs. Florence Nwosibe pointed to the ripple effects of expanded opportunities on the broader economy.
SME/NGO Trade Group Chairman Mr. Jack Daboikiabo expressed delight at the commissioner’s presence, looking forward to seamless teamwork. Mrs. Tariboba Memberr, Chairperson of PHCCIMA’s Inter-Governmental Relations Committee, called for bolder government measures to spur industrial expansion and business development.
Women in Business advocate Patricia Ihunze, Deputy Coordinator of the Women Chambers (WCCIMA), expressed gratitude for the visit and called for greater inclusion of the women’s wing in the Ministry programs adding that Women are poised to excel when given the platforms. Mr. Victor, Chairman of PHCCIMA member company Einfotech, added that leveraging information and communication technology could supercharge business strides in Rivers State.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Nwoga reiterated PHCCIMA’s dedication to advancing commerce and industry for the state’s prosperity. First Deputy President Chief Engr. Wonwu delivered the vote of thanks, urging immediate action stating that the Ministry and PHCCIMA must unite to stimulate business. There’s no time to waste,” he said.
She extended PHCCIMA’s warm regards to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, thanking the administration for fostering such dialogues.
The engagement signals a promising chapter for Rivers State’s economy, with stakeholders aligned on leveraging partnerships to overcome challenges and unlock potential in trade, investment, and innovation.
