FIC Report (Rivers State) – The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), in collaboration with the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency (RSIPA), organized a Technical Workshop on Business-Enabling Reforms and Investment Competitiveness on June 19, 2026, at Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt. The workshop brought together government officials, investors, business leaders, and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for improving the ease of doing business and attracting more private-sector investment to Rivers State.
Delivering the opening remarks on behalf of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, stated that the state must continue to implement deliberate reforms and strengthen institutions to fully harness its vast natural resources and energetic population. He emphasized that the administration remains committed to creating a transparent and business-friendly environment capable of attracting both local and Foreign Investors.
Dr. Wokoma further noted that sustainable economic growth depends on the ability of government to provide policies and structures that encourage investment, innovation, and enterprise development. According to him, Rivers State is determined to position itself as a leading destination for investment by promoting reforms that inspire confidence among investors and support economic expansion.
The Director-General of PEBEC, Princess Zarah Mustapha Audu, commended the Rivers State Government for hosting the engagement and creating an opportunity for stakeholders to deliberate on business-enabling reforms. She stressed that economic transformation cannot be achieved through isolated efforts, calling for stronger collaboration between federal and state governments to build a seamless investment landscape that promotes productivity and creates opportunities for Nigerians.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Peterside Chamberlain, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to creating an environment where businesses can thrive, generate employment, and meet their tax obligations with ease. He explained that RSIPA remains focused on supporting investors and ensuring that Rivers State remains competitive in attracting new investments.
The PEBEC delegation, led by Ms. Sumaiyyah Yusuf, facilitated capacity-building sessions on regulatory reforms and improving investor experience. Participants were trained on Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA), the investment lifecycle, harmonization of levies and regulatory charges, and mechanisms for access to justice and commercial dispute resolution, including small claims courts and multi-door courthouse systems. The team also introduced participants to the metrics used for Subnational Ease of Doing Business Rankings and unveiled PEBEC’s digital portal and reform tools designed to simplify investment processes.
A panel discussion on the theme “Reform: Challenges and Opportunities” featured distinguished experts and public officials, including Dr. Peterside Chamberlain, the of DG Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Tonte Joseph Davis of Greater Port Harcourt, Dr. Vera Ndidi Sam-Dike Solicitor general of the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, Mr. Kevin Nweke permanent secretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Sir Israel Onuanaku Egbunefu of the Rivers State Board of Internal Revenue, and Mr. Oti Emmanuel of urban and physical planning. Dr Chamberlain Peter side moderated the session, each of them spoke of the roles of their ministry and how it contributes to the general goals of the State in terms of enhancing the ease of doing business in rivers state.
The panel addressed questions from participants and offered practical solutions to challenges facing businesses. The workshop concluded with a renewed commitment to reform-driven development and they took a group photograph of participants.
Reported by Dogini, Doris Chigala
PEBEC Information Champion
June 19, 2026
