Dr. Chinyere Nwoga, President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA), has called for zero tolerance on chemical safety lapses and stronger ties between industry, academia, and regulators to foster sustainable growth.
The charge came during a well-attended one-day symposium organized by the PHCCIMA Chemical and Allied Services Trade Group at the Chamber’s Conference Hall. The event focused on chemical safety, regulatory compliance, and emergency preparedness, drawing captains of industry, regulators, and academics.
In her opening address, Dr. Nwoga commended Trade Group Chairman Engr. David Ofoegbu and his team for the timely initiative. “Safe chemical handling is not optional—it is imperative in everything from cosmetics to agrochemicals,” she declared. She urged universities to align curricula with industry realities to produce employable graduates and described regulators as “partners, not adversaries,” stressing that thriving businesses are essential for effective regulation.
The PHCCIMA President also praised the revitalized Rivers State Fire Service for its expanded role in rescue operations and first-aid, while extending an open invitation to non-members to join the Chamber for networking, capacity building, and business linkages.
The keynote address, delivered by Prof. Anthonet Kaine Okorosaye-Orubite, Head of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Port Harcourt, was unflinching. Titled “Chemical Handling Safety, Standards, Strategies and Compliance,” she warned that non-compliance remains the primary driver of accidents, fires, spills, and environmental damage in the Niger Delta. She demanded immediate adoption of global standards, regular risk assessments, robust emergency protocols, and mandatory third-party audits.
Expert presentations followed from key agencies: Pharm. Oligbu Chukwuma (NAFDAC South-South), Mrs. Lilian Gua Ikoro (SON Rivers State), Engr. Golden Elanga (Rivers State Fire Service), Dr. Chinonso Nwadike (REMSAS), Mr. Fiberesima Iyeneomi (Ministry of Environment), and Dr. Vetty Agala (RIVCHPP Executive Secretary).
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Mrs. Beatrice Raymond, Trade Group Secretary and CEO of Treeton Farms, welcomed participants with a rallying call: “Today is a deliberate step toward zero chemical incidents. Let us turn every recommendation into daily practice.”
Stakeholders hailed the symposium as “the clearest roadmap yet” to world-class chemical handling standards in Nigeria. Chief Ernest Elochukwu highlighted PHCCIMA’s business-support resources, while the event closed with remarks from Vice Chairman Mr. Gerald Ogamba Majjella (represented by Mr. Benjamin Okere) and a vote of thanks by Miss Victoria Uzohuo.
The symposium has raised the bar for safety, collaboration, and accountability in Nigeria’s chemical and allied sectors.
