In a show of solidarity for Rivers State’s economic revival, Dr. Chinyere Nwoga, President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA), was joined past presidents and executive council members in commending Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Warisenibo Joe Johnson, for his proactive engagement with the private sector.
The commendations came during a courtesy visit by Mr. Johnson to PHCCIMA’s corporate headquarters in Port Harcourt, where he underscored the critical need for public-private partnerships to transform the state into a vibrant commerce hub.
“The Chamber plays a pivotal role in driving business growth here in Rivers State,” Mr. Johnson remarked, extending thanks for the warm welcome, indicating that this was his first outing as Commissioner for Commerce. He called for intensified collaboration on trade missions, investment drives, and business facilitation, 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, emphasizing that retaining them requires a supportive ecosystem built through joint action.
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, reaffirming the Chamber’s commitment to aligning with the Ministry’s vision.
While noting that this is the 1st time that a Commissioner of Commerce has visited the Chamber for interactions, she thanked the Rivers State Governor H E Siminalayi Fubara for his commitment to growing commerce through collaboration with PHCCIMA.
The meeting drew broad support from PHCCIMA’s leadership. Past President Dr. Engr. Vincent Furo lauded the visit as a positive step, pledging the Chamber’s backing for government-led commerce initiatives. Chief Nabil Saleh, another past president, stressed the importance of investor confidence, urging 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. Exco members present – 1st Deputy President Chf Isaac Wonwu, Financial Secretary Chf Emmanuel Ogbonda, Welfare Secretary Amb Florence Igbeaku Nwosibe – all lent thier voice to the call for collaboration with PHCCIMA.
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Also present were Elected Council Member Engr. Dr. Virgilus Ezugu, SME/NGO Trade Group Chairman Mr. Jack Daboikiabo, Ms. Tariboba Memberr, Chairperson of PHCCIMA’s Inter-Governmental Relations Committee, Ms Patricia Ihunze, Deputy Coordinator of the Women Chambers (WCCIMA), and Mr. Victor, Chairman of PHCCIMA member company Einfotech, each of whom expressed the desire of the Chamber to be recognized as a hub for commerce.
In closing, Dr. Nwoga reiterated PHCCIMA’s dedication to advancing commerce and industry for the state’s prosperity, and the readinessof the PHCCIMA to be dependable ally in growing the economyof Rivers State.
