Dr. Chinyere Nwoga, the pioneering first female President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA) in its 68-year history, has renewed her advocacy for deeper synergy between the legal profession and commerce as a catalyst for Nigeria’s economic progress.
Speaking as a special guest at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Port Harcourt Branch Law Week 2025, Dr. Nwoga commended the Branch Chairman, Barr. Cordelia Eke, and her exemplary team for curating an impactful programme that sparked meaningful discourse on innovation and national development.
She described the Law Week’s theme, “Growing Through Innovation with Strategy – Bridging Markets & Encouraging Disruptions,” as profoundly relevant in an era of rapid digital transformation. “This theme challenges us to rethink traditional approaches in both law and business to create lasting societal impact,” she stated. Dr. Nwoga urged stakeholders to courageously disrupt outdated systems, embrace digitalization, and align legal frameworks with the evolving needs of commerce—an agenda she said perfectly mirrors PHCCIMA’s strategic vision for sustainable economic growth in Rivers State and the broader Niger Delta region.
Emphasizing interdependence, she noted that businesses depend on the legal profession to provide security for investments, while lawyers equally need thriving commercial ecosystems to flourish. In a light moment, she playfully invited the Chairman of the NBA Women Forum, Mrs. Maria Onyinyechukwu-Obiano (Maria) Onyia and other female lawyers to become active members of the Chamber to strengthen this bridge.
Dr. Nwoga used the platform to spotlight PHCCIMA’s flagship Port Harcourt International Trade Fair, scheduled for December 12–22, 2025, which will showcase innovation, sustainability, and business opportunities across Rivers State and the Niger Delta. “PHCCIMA remains fully committed to collaborating with the NBA to foster growth, drive innovation, and reinvent our economy for resilience and inclusivity,” she declared, calling on legal practitioners to develop forward-thinking strategies that enable rather than hinder enterprise.
The Law Week provided robust discussions on innovation in justice delivery and societal advancement. Dr. Nwoga’s address reinforced the imperative of integrated law-commerce synergy to build resilient and inclusive economies, inspiring participants to pursue ongoing partnerships.
Also present at the event were PHCCIMA Membership Committee Chairman Chief Ernest Elochukwu and the MD/CEO of PETRUSINI NIG LTD, Mr. Petrus Udeagu.
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