The Rivers State government has declared its doors wide open for investors, unveiling concrete plans to dismantle long-standing barriers to business and overhaul the state's economic image. This commitment was made at the 18th Port Harcourt International Trade Fair, where officials and business leaders outlined a new path forward for the state's economy.
RSIPA's Action Plan to Revive Investor Confidence
The Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency (RSIPA), Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, took center stage at the trade fair's breakout session on December 21, 2025. He assured the business community that the agency is moving beyond talk to deliver tangible actions, solutions, and results. Dr. Peterside acknowledged the deep-seated challenges, stating the agency's mission is to free Rivers State from years of accumulated negative narratives that have painted it as unsafe for investment.
He admitted that regulatory bodies had, in the past, contributed to a difficult business environment. "We are not naïve to believe that either by some form of magic we can suddenly turn the fortunes of the State," Peterside said. He outlined the multifaceted hurdles, including lack of cohesion amongst government ministries, policy inconsistencies, multiple taxation, harassment by miscreants, bureaucratic red tape, and high operational costs.
The agency's practical response is the establishment of a One-Stop-Center (OSC), which Peterside hailed as a game-changer designed to streamline processes and ensure all relevant agencies are aligned in supporting investors.
Protection Before Promotion: A Key Investor's Advice
Adding a crucial perspective, My-ACE China, the Mayor of Housing and a prominent real estate strategist, endorsed the state's efforts but offered a critical caveat. He argued that protection of existing businesses must precede aggressive promotion to new investors.
China advised that the RSIPA should be established by an act of law, not just an Executive Order, to insulate it from political changes and assure investors of its long-term sustainability. "It is the rat at home that reveals to the one in the bush that there is fish in the kitchen," he said, quoting an African proverb to emphasize that strong Local Direct Investments (LDIs) are what ultimately attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDIs).
He urged the state government to adopt Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for land documentation, following Abuja's example, to eliminate fraud and simplify processes. China also championed the creation of an economic triangle along the Port Harcourt-Uyo-Aba axis, combining the investment appeal of Lagos with the structural integrity of Abuja. "We need to shout louder than Lagos because we need more investment than Lagos," he asserted, highlighting the state's rich cultural assets and blue economy potential.
Government and National Bodies Pledge Support
The Rivers State Commissioner of Commerce and Trade, Joseph Johnson, representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, confirmed the administration's readiness to listen and reduce impediments to business, referencing the governor's 37-page economic revival blueprint.
From the national level, Mrs. Lovina Kayode, Director of Investors Relations at the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council (NIPC), led a delegation to the fair. She urged Rivers State to accelerate its ease of doing business reforms and clarified that the NIPC's mandate extends to protecting all businesses in Nigeria, not just foreign investors. She pointed to investors like My-ACE China and Oliver Biedima of Rainbow Heritage Group as proof that Rivers State is safe for investment.
Dr. Chinyere Nwoga, President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce (PHCCIMA), called on the government to address practical issues like trucks parking on the Trans-Amadi road, which poses a risk. She declared that peace has returned to the state, inviting businesses to the Port Harcourt economic hub.
The collective message from the event was clear: Rivers State is actively courting investment with a renewed, practical focus on solving real problems and changing outdated perceptions.
