The Rivers State government has reemphasized its strategic location in Nigeria’s ecosystem, declaring that ‘Ease of Doing Business’ is a must’.
This was declared Friday afternoon at a workshop on investment promotion through Ease of Doing Business (EoDB). This was at the ‘Technical Workshop on Business-Enabling Reforms and Investment Competitiveness’, organized by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) in collaboration with the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency (RSIPA) in Port Harcourt.
Gov Sim Fubara, who declared huge interest in implementing resolutions of the workshop, said ease of doing business was an important agenda of his administration as the state retakes its position as investment destination in Nigeria.
The workshop arrowhead, the RSIPA, reaffirmed that Ease of Doing Business is a must. Chamberlain Peterside, the Director-General of the Agency, in his address and interviews with newsmen, said: “Our task is therefore very simple: create an environment where businesses can operate, where jobs can be created, and where taxes, permits, licenses, and every other business process can be handled with ease. There should not be unnecessary difficulty in everything. That is our primary concern.”
He said every Rivers person or business operator has the right to an easier and better operating environment. “They are entitled to expect that government should make the business environment hassle-free so they can thrive and succeed.
“If we succeed in doing that, they will become our ambassadors, just as one of the presentations mentioned. When successful SMEs and existing businesses are operating happily, they will share their experiences with other businesses and investors, whether domestic investors from other states or foreign investors.”
As a result, he went on, “We can attract an inflow—indeed, a flood—of operators, investors, and businesses. That is our vision. It’s as simple as that, and I don’t think it’s asking for too much.
“Creating and making Rivers State the preferred investment destination is not wishful thinking. It is not rocket science. I believe it is achievable, and that is why we are making this effort.”
On why every effort must be put into the fight for ease of doing business, Peterside, onetime Commissioner of Finance in the state, said: “The ease of doing business is very simple. By definition, it pretty much means making life easier for the business community. And the business community involves a host of segments—whether it’s SMEs, the organized private sector, or even micro-operators.
“Our job in the investment agency is to constantly and steadily improve how businesses operate and the environment in which they are working. Whether it is getting permits, approvals, or licenses, paying taxes, registering a business, or registering a land title, our responsibility is to continually enhance those processes.”
The DG said this ensures that the less hassle an average business owner faces in setting up and running a business, the more effort and focus they can devote to operating the business effectively and making profits. It’s as simple as that.
On benefits of the FEBEC seminar in the south-south and Rivers State, the DG said they have been getting a lot of calls and they are getting concerned. “You have to look at every society very carefully. First, what drives economic growth and progress? What enhances societal development?
“It is not only profit motivation. Businesses create jobs, and jobs create opportunities. A fair society is one where people can attain a better standard of living, send their children to school, engage in leisure activities, and even pursue spiritual enrichment.
“If you are not well-fed, if you are not happy, if you do not have a job—whether operating your own business or working for someone else—it becomes difficult for your spirit to be nourished. That’s my own perspective; others may believe that when the spirit is fed, the job will come.”
Backing the efforts of the RSIPA, Gov Fubara said his administration is committed to creating a transparent, predictable, inclusive, and investment-friendly business environment aimed at driving economic growth and sustainable development.
Represented by Dagogo Wokoma, the Secretary to the State Government, Gov Fubara stated that his administration remains focused on positioning Rivers State as a preferred destination for investment by implementing policies and reforms that encourage business growth and economic prosperity.
He noted that Rivers State occupies a strategic position in Nigeria’s economic landscape, boasting significant advantages such as a vibrant population, abundant natural resources, strategic maritime assets, and a thriving entrepreneurial culture.
“As one of Nigeria’s leading commercial and industrial hubs, Rivers State possesses enormous potential. Our responsibility is to transform these advantages into sustainable economic opportunities through deliberate reforms, strong institutions, and effective governance,” he said.
Gov Fubara emphasized that his administration is committed to building a business environment that attracts both local and international investors while fostering enterprise development and innovation across key sectors of the economy.
He further observed that evidence from successful economies around the world shows that growth is accelerated when governments provide enabling conditions for businesses to flourish.
According to him, this understanding continues to guide the state’s support for initiatives that promote investment, improve institutional coordination, and enhance economic competitiveness.
The Governor described the workshop as a valuable platform for stakeholders to assess existing challenges, exchange practical experiences, and develop solutions aimed at strengthening the state’s investment ecosystem.
He added that the forum would also help align government policies and programmes with global best practices while ensuring they remain responsive to local realities and developmental needs.
Zahrah Mustapha Audu, Director General of PEBEC, thanked the Rivers State Government for the opportunity to enlighten stakeholders on business enabling reforms and investment opportunities.
She observed that PEBEC, established by the Presidency stands to strengthen business enterprises and unlock vast economic opportunities across the country.
Audu reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to implementing bold economic reforms aimed at boosting investors’ confidence and strengthening the nation’s business climate.
She emphasised that Nigeria’s economic transformation requires strong alignment across Federal, State and Local Governments.
Various technical papers were presented by experts to help Rivers State come up with the framework to promote business climate and enthrone ease of doing business. Oluwaseum Obafemi, Head, High Impact Investment Workstream for PEBEC, showed the strategies the state could create to engage with investors and businesses so that Rivers would be an investment destination.
Charles Wakji, Reform Leader, Regulatory, Legislative & Judiciary Workstream of PEBEC gave hints on harmonizing taxes, levies, and fees that stifle businesses; while Sumaryyah Yusuf, head of South-South team provided most of the supports needed by experts to push ahead.
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