Rivers State Ministry of Commerce and Industry

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that the 50.15-kilometre Port Harcourt dual carriage Ring Road will be fully completed and delivered by October 2026, citing significant progress recorded on the project.

The governor also attributed the vision behind the landmark infrastructure to his predecessor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, describing him as the originator of the project.

Governor Fubara gave the assurance on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, during an inspection tour of the project, shortly after President Bola Tinubu intervened to resolve the political rift between the governor and the FCT Minister

Speaking during the inspection, Gov. Fubara described the FCT minister, whom he fondly referred to as his “Oga,” as a man of “very big ambition,” noting that the project was conceived with the aim of improving the welfare of Rivers people.

“For me, this project is very important considering the person who conceived it, my Oga, the Honourable Minister. He had a very big ambition and believed that if this project is delivered on record time, Rivers people will be happy with my administration,” the governor said.

He added that regardless of political developments, he remained committed to ensuring that the vision behind the project is realised.

“Notwithstanding whatever is happening, it is my wish and responsibility to see that this vision is fulfilled. This explains the importance we attach to the project as a government and as a people,” he stated.

Governor Fubara recalled that the Ring Road was designed to be completed within 36 months, noting that the project timeline is steadily approaching its target.

He said the inspection was carried out to assess the quality and pace of work being executed by the contractor.

According to him, the inspection commenced from the Refinery Junction in Eleme, passing through Iriebe and parts of Obio/Akpor, and terminated at the river-crossing bridge, which links critical sections of the road.

“From what is visible to everyone, a lot has been achieved. From our discussions, the contractors have assured us that the project will be delivered by October,” he said.

The governor noted that with sustained funding and the necessary administrative push, the October completion target would be achieved, expressing confidence that his administration would fulfil its promise to the people of Rivers State.

The Ring Road project, which was flagged off in July 2023, spans 50.15 kilometres and includes five flyovers and a river-crossing bridge. It is designed to connect more than six local government areas of the state and ease traffic congestion within Port Harcourt and its environs.

From abandonment to action: Agba-Ndele–Abua Bridge is almost done, thanks to Gov. Siminalayi Fubara’s focused leadership.

I WON'T BE DISTRACTED, GOV. FUBARA ASSURES

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his resolve to remain steadfast in delivering development projects across the state, declaring that political distractions will not derail his administration’s commitment to the people.

The governor gave the assurance on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, while inspecting the ongoing rehabilitation of major roads within the old Port Harcourt Township, including the Creek Road Market project.

Accompanied by Engineer Michel Issa of Setraco Nigeria Limited, Governor Fubara toured several completed and ongoing roadworks, inspecting rehabilitated streets around Moore House before concluding the exercise at the Creek Road Market.

Speaking on the market redevelopment, the governor described the project as central to the revival of the old Port Harcourt township, noting that the modernisation of the facility would restore its lost glory and improve commercial activities in the area.

He explained that the new market is designed to accommodate traders currently operating on the roads, a situation he said contributes to traffic congestion and the rapid deterioration of road infrastructure along Creek Road.

“What are we trying to do? You can see the difficulty in driving through Creek Road because we don’t have proper settlement for marketers,” Governor Fubara said. “If we fix this market, those trading on the streets will move inside.”

According to him, relocating traders into the market will make it easier to properly rehabilitate the roads and preserve their structural integrity, while also enhancing the aesthetics of the township.

On the road network, the governor disclosed that the rehabilitation works span from Borokiri through all major streets in the old township, stressing that the approach is holistic and aimed at delivering lasting infrastructure upgrade.

Reacting to the prevailing political atmosphere, Governor Fubara insisted that his priority remains governance and service delivery, not political pressures.

“I have promised our people that no matter the situation, we will not lose focus on governance,” he said. “They entrusted us with leadership, and the least we owe them is confidence, stability and the assurance that governance will continue strongly.”

The Honourable Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Warisenibo Joe Johnson , joined His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, at the 37th & 38th Convocation Ceremony of the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.

He celebrated the graduation of 13,242 students and commended the University’s remarkable strides in academic excellence, research growth and manpower development.

The Commissioner reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the Governor’s vision for sustainable economic expansion through education, innovation, job creation and private sector partnerships.

LADY FUBARA COMMENDS RIVERS WOMEN FOR PREACHING PEACE, PROGRESS

Wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Fubara, has commended the commitment, solidarity, and pivotal contributions of women to peace and development across Rivers State.

Lady Fubara gave the commendation at the second edition of Women Converge, a special programme organised by Rivers Women Unite for SIM, which held on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at the Alfred Diete-Spiff Civic Centre, Port Harcourt.

She noted that women in the state have continued to make tremendous positive impact through their prayers and collective efforts. Lady Fubara thanked Rivers women—particularly the organisers of the event—for their steadfast support for her husband, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, urging them to remain prayerful as “the prayers of women avail much in every situation.”

“Once again, let me use this occasion to thank Rivers women for their support—both in prayers and in solidarity with me and my family. You have been wonderful. I cannot personally reward all that you do, but God in heaven, who sees in secret, will surely reward you openly,” she said.

She described the gathering as another milestone in the ongoing effort to shape society for good and to strengthen peace and development in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.

Lady Fubara encouraged women to remain steadfast in prayer, stressing that “God is ever ready to answer,” and emphasised the need for unity and continuous collaborative effort to advance society. She added that any endeavour rooted in faith and trust in God is bound to succeed.

The Rivers First Lady described the theme of the event, the Woman in an Evolving World, as timely and reflective of the strategies women must adopt to navigate today’s rapidly changing global realities. She noted that despite the complexities of managing homes in the face of economic challenges, women have consistently demonstrated resilience and strength.

“This Converge underscores the resilience of our women to succeed, no matter the odds—especially with absolute faith in God and determination for greater accomplishments,” she said.

“Whether in industry, business, agriculture, public service, or even politics, women have continued to show strong determination to adapt and achieve great feats. Our natural disposition notwithstanding, our focus has always been to reach for the skies. As Rivers women, we have always been pacesetters.”

In their goodwill messages, several notable Rivers women expressed optimism about the prospects for sustained peace and development in the state, and reaffirmed their support for the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Distinguished personalities at the event included former Commissioner for Environment, Prof. Roseline Konya; renowned activist, Lady AnnKio Briggs; wife of the former Deputy Governor, Dame Dr. Christie Toby; President of Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA), Dr. Chinyere Nwoga; the Keynote Speaker, Pastor Eno Jerry Eze, Apostle Opuaya Biminiayefie Agha, Dr. Richard Okoye, Dr. Jake Epelle and Pastor Mrs. Ene Secondus, among others.

Press Unit
Government House, Port Harcourt

Thursday, November 27, 2025

GOV. FUBARA TO PRESENT 2026 APPROPRIATION BILL IN NEW ASSEMBLY COMPLEX

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has expressed optimism of presenting the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the lawmakers in the new Rivers State Assembly Complex.

Gov. Fubara gave the hint on Monday, November 24, 2025 after the inspection of the Hallowed Chamber Complex being reconstructed by Monier Construction Company Limited.

The governor who was accompanied by Hon. Boniface Emerengwa, member representing Ikwerre/Emohua Federal Constituency, and Management of MCC Nig Ltd, expressed satisfaction with the work done at the complex, saying that there is hope that the complex will be ready at the end of December 2025.

He assured that he is committed to ensuring the completion of the Assembly Complex on schedule to enable the lawmakers resume sitting at the Hallowed Chamber adding that when that is done, he will be presenting the 2026 budget at the Main Hallowed Chamber in the way and manner it is required.

"We have been working hard to ensure their permanent sitting Chamber is put in place. You know the drama that surrounded our relationship before, but by the grace of God, now that everything has been sorted out, it is our desire to ensure that the Assembly returns to their normal place of sitting."

He pointed out that though the job has been on before the emergency rule, a period it was believed that nothing was being done. "So I came here to ascertain the extent of work done, and I feel very impressed with what I have seen," stressing that the Contractor informed him that he had already sublet the interior and some external works to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc to accelerate work and meet the scheduled timeline to deliver the work.

The governor assured that once the main chamber is delivered, the remaining part of the complex will be handled by the Legislature once they resume sitting at the Complex.

Signed

Boniface Onyedi,
SSA Media, to Governor of Rivers State

Monday, November 24, 2025

Rivers govt, PH City chamber, strive to bring back fleeing businesses

The Rivers State government says it has intensified efforts to not only convinve the business world that the state is back to business, it is striving with the PH City chamber to bring back fleeing businesses.

The strongest weapon in the struggle seems to be the fast-approaching Port Harcourt International Trade Fair 2025.

The Sim Fubara-led administration seems to leave no stone unturned in reaching both local and foreign direct investors as well as business owners to witness the new PH business prowess.

The state government thus made it clear at the unveiling of the trade fair logo on Thursday, November 20, 2025, that ‘Rivers Is Back’.

The government also said it is fully backing the trade fair to show that peace is fully back in the state and that misconceptions were totally false.

Government spoke at the unveiling held at the mini conference hall of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (PHCCIMA) where the logo was unveiled before the general meeting of the City Chamber began.

Chinyere Nwoga, PHCCIMA President, showcasing the unveiled trade fair logo
The state government was represented at the event by Joe Johnson, the newly appointed Commissioner of Commerce and Industry, as well as Chamberlain Peterside, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency (RSIPA). Both government officials were part of those who went on suspension during the state of emergency that lasted from March to September 2025.

Unveiling the logo, Chinyere Nwoga, the first female president of PHCCIMA, reminded Nigerians that PHCCIMA is still the 2nd largest Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria, which has the primary objective to build and protect businesses in the Niger Delta region and beyond.

“Our goal is to advocate for sustained economic growth through exposure of businesses to both local and global markets. Here, the Port Harcourt International Trade Fair is one of these platforms to achieve global visibility.”

Giving the theme of the 2025 trade fair as ‘Growing through innovation and Sustainability: Bridging Markets and Encouraging Disruptions’, Nwoga said the new world is about tech and disruptions “To run a successful business in the present time, the future of businesses has to be innovative, have to embrace technology, and have to operate globally.”

She assured that the Trade Fair would attract participants and exhibitors from within and outside the country. “We are targeting key industry players, Government MDAs, diplomats, research institutions, manufacturers, trade associations, professional institutions, the press, and the general public.”

She said the fair would promote private visibility to businesses through the display of their goods and services; attract internal investment both domestic and foreign, not in line with the federal government policy to promote accelerated development of Commerce and Industry; provide assurance that Rivers State is safe and secure to do business.

Joe Johnson (Commissioner for Commerce and Industry), Chinyere Nwoga (PHCCIMA President), Chamberlain Peterside (Director-General, RSIPA), and Emi Membere-Otaji), (1st national deputy president of NACCIMA)
More than these, she said the fair would provide a channel through which Rivers State government will make known their investment opportunities and the ease of doing business in the state to investors. It would also provide opportunities for families to do their Christmas shopping at discounted rates.

She reminded Nigerians that Port Harcourt is still the oil capital of the nation and that innovations in the oil/gas industry would team up with forays into Blue Economy to unveil new opportunities for businesses

Business operators and investors said they were pleasurably shocked that the state government is not only backing the PH International Trade Fair but is grabbing full opportunity to promote Rivers State and Port Harcourt economic zone, unlike in the past when trade fairs were left for private sector operators.

Johnson, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, who was immediate past commissioner for information and communication before the state of emergency, said the Government is doing everything to support the business community.

He also affirmed that Port Harcourt is back to business, saying Rivers State is one of the safest states in Nigeria at the moment.

The Commissioner reacted to complaints of government failure many years back to release the 10,000 hectares of land to the CBN-backed Oil Palm Growers Scheme, saying he would liaise with his counterpart in the Ministry of Agriculture to find out about the promise before speaking on it. He said this is because Gov Sim Fubara does not promise and fail.

Peterside, the DG of RSIPA, traced the history of Rivers State and said the present administration is determined to bring back fleeing businesses. He said progress has been made and not all businesses were lost, mention the NLNG and Renaissance that are still in Port Harcourt.

The DG assured that the administration would definitely look into accumulating cases of certificates of occupancies (CofOs) which seems to create frustrations in the state, making many not to believe that the government was fully back.

Emi Membere-Otaji, former PHCCIMA President who was former commissioner for health as well as former Special Adviser on Investment expressed happiness that the state government came fully to back the trade fair.

The man who is now the first national deputy president of NACCIMA (body of all city chambers in Nigeria), said many things went wrong in the state in the past but that the private sector is getting signals that good things are ahead.

He advised the governor to strive more to bring back fleeing businesses.

Special trade fair sweetners for investors back:

According to the PHCCIMA president, aside the commercial activities that will be going on at the trade fair, there would be conferences, training and seminars going on every everyday from morning till evening. “Port Harcourt PHCCIMA has over 25 Trade Groups and committees. These trade groups represent the various sectors of the economy. We have the Agriculture & Agro-Allied, Services, Engineering, Fabrication of Construction, Manufacturing, Tourism & Hospitality, Commerce & ICT, Import & Export, Oil & Gas, Chemical & Allied Services, Power, Energy.

“All these trade groups are scheduled to hold training and seminars daily till the end of the Tradefair. These trainings are free of charge and are open to the general public.

We shall also have Special Days for Corporate bodies and MDAs. For instance, the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency will have their Special Day. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry is also planning their own programme for the trade fair as will be explained by the Honourable Commissioner.

“It might interest you to recall that every local government council in Rivers State is specially endowed with unique resources and potentials for investment. Each will also have a day to showcase their products and opportunities.”

*Rivers State Open for Business, Peaceful and Investor-Friendly –Rivers Commerce Commissioner Joe Johnson Declares**

The Honourable Commissioner for Commerce, Rivers State, Warisenibo Joe Johnson, has reassured local and international investors that Rivers State remains one of the most peaceful and business-friendly states in Nigeria, with a government fully committed to creating an enabling environment for commerce and industry.

Speaking at an event organized by a federal agency, the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) in collaboration with the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce in Port Harcourt, the Commissioner commended the agency for choosing Rivers State as the venue and highlighted the administration’s strong worker-friendly policies under Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

“We have demonstrated that Rivers State knows how to take care of its own. We have cleared long-standing promotion arrears, ensured workers are fully funded and motivated, and placed the welfare of employees – whether in government or private organizations – at the heart of governance,” he said.

Commissioner Johnson emphasized that the present administration has placed Rivers State on a trajectory of policy realism and participatory economic reform, noting that the world has moved beyond dependence on oil and gas.

“His Excellency the Governor clearly understands that the future belongs to innovation, logistics, and massive investment in human capital. That is the new direction, and we are deliberately pursuing continuity of these reforms without distraction,” he stated.

Addressing recent political developments, the Commissioner declared that the government has emerged stronger and is fully focused on development. “Rivers State is up and running. There is no vacuum, no missing beat. We are open for business – to every investor, local or international.”

He particularly called on members of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture to help attract partners for the revitalization of strategic industrial assets in the Trans-Amadi industrial layout and beyond.

“We want to bring back to life the Rivers State Vegetable Oil Company, West African Glass Industry, and several other legacy industries that once made Rivers State an industrial powerhouse. These facilities are waiting for serious investors. With your support and the right partnerships, we will restore them and create thousands of jobs,” he urged.

In a direct message to the business community, he added: “Our government and ministries are open. Come with your ideas, come with your capital. Rivers State is ready to partner with you for mutual prosperity. Victory is already in sight.”

The event ended with the Commissioner expressing optimism that, with the cooperation of the organized private sector and development partners, Rivers State is poised for a new era of industrialization and economic growth.

PRESS RELEASE

*OVER 3000 BENEFIT FROM BOI/RIVERS STATE GOVERNMENT SPONSORED SINGLE-DIGIT LOAN SCHEME - JOE JOHNSON*

By Friday Timothy

The Rivers State Honourable Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Warisenibo Joe Johnson, has disclosed that over 3000 beneficiaries, including members of the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), have benefitted from the ₦4b Bank of Industry (BoI)/Rivers State Government-assisted single-digit financial intervention scheme, administered through the Rivers State micro Finance Agency.

Warisenibo Johnson made the revelation when members of Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), paid him a courtesy visit in his office on Wednesday.

The Honourable Commissioner explained that Governor Siminalayi Fubara's 37-page development blueprint includes the re-industrialization of the Trans - Amadi Industrial Layout, which once hosted major investments such as Michelin, Rivers State Vegetable Oil Company (RIVOC), Crocodile Matchetes, among others, but declined due to economic challenges.

He noted that the present administration is committed to reviving the industrial hub and restoring the economic vibrancy of the industrial estate in order to revive the economy of the state, thus creating and providing opportunities in business growth, employment for the teeming army of unemployed Youth, tech and skills acquisition, as well as expanding the internally generated revenue basket for the state.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), Rivers State chapter, Elder Dogda Sakpege, stated that the Association, established in 1996, has consistently worked over the years to ensure the growth and sustainability of small businesses across the country.
According to him, "we want to partner with your ministry to improve the fortunes of small businesses in Rivers State."

Friday Timothy, Information/public Relations Unit, Rivers State Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Port Harcourt.

Thursday, November 13, 2025.

*HOST YOUR NEXT 'EMPOWERING NIGERIA'S FUTURE LEADERS' PROGRAMME IN RIVERS STATE*

-Rivers State Commerce and Industry Commissioner, Warisenibo Joe Johnson charges International Breweries, PLC

.. Calls for return of Grand Lager Beer

.. Invites IBL to participate in the forthcoming Rivers State Christmas Discount Market, holding at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Elekahia December 5
- 15

The Rivers State Honourable Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Warisenibo Joe Johnson has urged the management of the International Breweries, PLC to consider hosting their next annual 'Empowering Nigeria Future Leaders' programme in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
This is to enable people of the state, especially the youth, to benefit maximally from the numerous opportunities such programmes offer

He made these known while playing host to a team of the company's management, led by their Public Affairs Manager, Dr. Helen Chimezie who paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Port Harcourt recently.

The Commissioner also enjoined the IBL to reintroduce the production of Grand Lager Beer, which had been a popular brand produced by the defunct Pabod Breweries, which facilities were acquired by the International Breweries, PLC. He noted that the Grand Lager Beer was a cherished brand and legacy of the state, which should not be thrown away completely.

Johnson assured the company that the Governor Fubara-led administration is poised to support investors in the state, by creating the enabling conducive environment for their smooth business operations, as the government has rolled out plans to transform the state to an industrial and business hub, to serve as a destination of choice for investors in Nigeria.

He also used the opportunity to extend an invitation to the IBL to participate in the forthcoming Rivers State Christmas Discount Market Programme, a flagship programme designed by the government to provide an opportunity for residents of the state to shop in preparation of the Yuletide season at affordable prices.

The event is scheduled to hold at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Elekahia, Port Harcourt for a period of ten (10) days, December 5 - 15.

Earlier in her remarks, leader of the delegation, Dr. Helen Chimezie, Public Affairs Manager, International Breweries PLC, had informed the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Warisenibo Joe Johnson that they were in his office to formally invite him to attend their 10th year 'Empowering Nigeria's Future Leaders' programme, with the theme: 'Sustain, Scale, Succeed: Building the Future of Nigerian Entrepreneurs,' scheduled to hold on Monday, November 17, 2025 at The Civic Centre, Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Dr. Chimezie was accompanied by the Brewing Manager, Mr. Nnaemeka Okechukwu and Legal Consultant, Tonye Ibisiki, Esq.

____________________

Abraham Dukuma, Esq.
Technical Assistant to the Rivers State Honourable Commissioner fqor Commerce and Industry,
Port Harcourt.

Tuesday, November 11, 2025.