NACCIMA ends 66th AGM in Port Harcourt, honours distinguished chamber leaders

The 66th Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), seemed to end successfully in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, with high-level business engagements, colourful social events, and the recognition of outstanding contributors to Nigeria’s Chamber movement.

The three-day conference brought together business leaders, policymakers, investors and entrepreneurs for strategic discussions on private sector growth, investment promotion, and economic development.

Major highlights included a grand arrival dinner at Faarah Coffee Lounge, a vibrant cultural night showcasing Rivers State’s rich heritage, the AGM/Conference, business sessions, exhibitions and a glamorous gala and award night at Golden Tulip Hotel.

A major point was the conferment of the prestigious Honorary Life Vice President of NACCIMA on Barizaage Adoage Norteh, former President of the Ogoni Chamber of Commerce, who is a former Executive Chairman of the Rivers State Internal Revenue Service (RIRS) as well as a past NACCIMA National Vice President. The award, presented by Jani Ibrahim, the NACCIMA National President, recognized Norteh’s outstanding contributions to the Chamber movement and Nigeria’s private sector.

Also honoured were two past Presidents of the PHCCIMA – Emeka Unachukwu and Vincent Furo – who received Distinguished Service Awards for their exemplary leadership and lasting contributions to commerce, industry and the Chamber movement.

Chinyere Nwoga, the PHCCIMA President, congratulated the past presidents for the recognition, while describing Norteh’s elevation as well deserved. She praised his visionary leadership, selfless service and support for enterprise and women.

Norteh dedicated the honour to the collective efforts of the Chamber movement and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting MSMEs, mentoring young entrepreneurs, advancing women’s participation in business and strengthening the Chamber movement.

The successful hosting of the conference further reinforced Port Harcourt’s reputation as a hub for business, investment and national economic dialogue.

Observers and analysts have commented on the apparent success of the NACCIMA AGM & Conference in the Garden City, saying it is a final testimony to the return of Port Harcourt as an investment destination and a true business hub. They say it is a huge sign that the political crisis that lasted for years did not knock out Port Harcourt as a preferred investment destination.