As a decisive move to stimulate sensitization concerning workers welfare and compensation schemes, Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce – PHCCIMA and the Nigerian Social Insurance. Trust Fund – NSITF have joined forces to advance workers’ welfare in Rivers State.
PHCCIMA President Dr. Chinyere Nwoga in her opening remark in a one day sensitization workshop at the PHCCIMA Council hall emphasized that “human capital is the most valuable asset” and called on the private sector to fully embrace the Employees Compensation Scheme for enhanced employee safety and welfare.
Hear her: “As the country’s second-largest and second-oldest chamber, and ranked globally among the oldest, the Port Harcourt Chamber takes the welfare of workers with utmost seriousness, the organization and its leading members recognize human capital as the most valuable asset.” she noted.
Rivers State Commissioner for Commerce, Warisenibo Joe Johnson, declared the state open for both local and international investment, highlighting Governor Fubara’s proactive policies that include clearing promotion arrears and funding salaries.
The commissioner urged PHCCIMA members to attract investment for revitalizing key industries like Rivers Vegetable Oil Company and West African Glass Industry, aiming to create thousands of jobs. NSITF Regional Manager Hycinth Chidozie spotlighted the informal sector’s massive workforce, stressing the importance of extending social protection beyond formal employees to traders, artisans, and transporters through the Employers’ Compensation Scheme.
Technical sessions detailed how the scheme supports workers’ compensation and workplace safety. Industry leaders applauded NSITF’s outreach and advocated for stronger funding and broader scheme adoption to secure all workers’ livelihoods. Both organizations expressed confidence that this collaboration marks a turning point toward sustainable social security and a robust industrial comeback across Rivers State. The presentations ended with a question and answer session.
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Chairman of the event and President of Ohaneze Ndi- Igbo,, Senator John Azuta Mbata represented by Mr Victor Mbata lauded NSITF commitment to repositioning the Fund, describing the ECS as “a lifeline for millions of hardworking Nigerians.
In his goodwill message, Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, Rivers State chapter, Arc. Tosan Omatsone commended the NSITF for taking the initiative to the grassroots and called for increased funding to strengthen the Fund’s operations. She urged workers in the informal sector to embrace the ECS for their own security and stability
Exco member, Amb Mrs Florence Nwosibe, Council member, Mr Ephraim Iwu, Elected Council member, Mr Joseph Habib Sule, WCCIMA Coordinator, HM Dr Patricia Ogbonnaya, Trade Group Chairmen, SME/ NGO, Jack Daboikiabo, Financial Services, Amb. Clement Akanibo, Trade Mission Desk. Mrs Tariboba Memberr,, Membership, Chief Ernest Elochukwu among other members were in attendance
