Bayelsa State Ministry of Trade, Industry & Investment

NDCCIMA PROGRAMME: Trade Ministry, NEPC, Seeks Collaboration With YECCIMA
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‎As part of preparations for the upcoming Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry Mines And Agriculture (NDCCIMA) programme, the Permanent Secretary, Bayelsa State Ministry of Trade, Industry & Investment, Mrs Bomote Zaccheus, today 6th May, 2026, led the Coordinator of Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mrs Sylvia Adeneye on a Courtesy Visit to the President, Yenagoa Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines & Agriculture (YECCIMA), Chief Noble Akenge, at his office in Yenagoa.
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‎The familiarization visit also had strategic discussions on how to strengthen the existing relationship and partnership between the Ministry and the Agency.
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‎In the need to harness the potentials of Bayelsa State in order to promote and support SMEs in the state which are parts of the core values of YECCIMA, Mrs Bomote noted that there are several opportunities available for businesses in the State and the visit is centered on how to key into them.
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‎Present during the visit were the Director of Trade, Ministry of Trade, Industry & Investment, Mrs Obinipre Walson, NEPC official, Mr Oseh Cletus, YECCIMA Deputy President 1, Mrs Doubra Ofoni, as well as YECCIMA Deputy President 2, Alabo Mightyman Ayedikuro.
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‎Others were members of YECCIMA, Kenigbolo Esthe, Apostle Suoye Daniel, Rachael Emmanuel, Chief Sotonye Brigge, Chief Ikiobofa Amasamana, Elder Torutein Sydney Tokivie and Princess Juliet Samuel.

‎MILNAPATH FITNESS:
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‎Earlier today, the Honourable Commissioner for Trade, Industry & Investment, Dr Ebieri Jones, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Bomote Zaccheus, joined the Milnapath Fitness Exercise, as part of activities marking the 2026 Workers Day Celebration.
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‎The road walk which Kickstarted at Ekeki Park and terminated at the Bayelsa Medical University (BMU), had in attendance, CEO, Millenium Nature's Path (Milnapath), Dr Naomi Ima Bassey, Coordinator, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mrs Sylvia Adeneye and other members of fitness agencies.
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‎While encouraging Bayelsans to produce in Bayelsa State and export to the World as a means of growing the State's economy, Dr Ebieri Jones, noted that there are lots of opportunities in Bayelsa State and the Prosperity Administration of His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri has made Bayelsa a safe haven for businesses to thrive.

‎SMEs CONFERENCE: Trade Commissioner Urges Banks On Collaboration
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‎...As Permanent Secretary Meets Bank Representatives
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‎Banks have been urged to collaborate with the State Government through the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment to educate the masses on financial literacy and planning in order to boost their knowledge on financial systems and operations.
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‎This statement was made by the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Trade, Industry & Investment, Dr. Ebieri Jones, through the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Bomote Zaccheus, in a meeting with representatives of various banks in the state ahead of the Wider Perspective Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Conference, 2026, at the Commissioner's Conference Room, Secretariat Annex 4, Yenagoa, on Wednesday 29th April, 2026,
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‎In her remark, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade, Industry & Investment, Mrs Bomote Zaccheus, welcomed the bank's representatives for the meeting, adding that the purpose for the meeting was to follow up the meeting held in February, 2026 and to ensure that the Ministry's work plan aligns with that of the banks for a smooth performance during the up coming Conference in July.
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‎While clarifying the bank's representatives on the various roles their banks are expected to play during the Conference, Mrs Zaccheus also suggested that the banks should organize financial literacy program or outreach for civil servants and possibly market women to enlighten them on the importance of financial education and planning.
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‎On the need to educate Bayelsans on financial literacy, Access Bank's Manager, Mr Miebi Flint, noted that there are several ways to execute it. He further suggested that it can be made possible through the State Government, through the Ministry or through the Banks, while noting that which ever way be deployed, the banks are willing to work with the Ministry.
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‎Those in attendance include: Director Trade Department, Director Industries Department, representatives of Union Bank, Premium Trust Bank, Sterling Bank, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Polaris Bank, Izon Microfinance Bank, Access Bank, Guarantee Trust Bank and Globus Bank.

CNG INNOVATION: FUDONS AUTOMOBILE NIGERIA LIMITED MEETS TRADE COMMISSIONER

Fudons Automobile Nigeria Limited in seeking for possible investors and partners in Bayelsa State through the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment, paid the Honourable Commissioner of the Ministry, Dr Ebieri Jones a courtesy visit.

‎The meeting, which held at the Commissioner's office, at Secretariat Annex 4, Yenagoa on Tuesday 14th April, 2026, centered on driving Nigeria's energy transition through indigenous auto motive solution with Bayelsa state in view.

Dr Jones, in his speech commended Fudons Automobile Limited for their innovative approach in creating a safer and economic fuel option for the average Nigerian. He however raised concerns about the potential usage of the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), the issue of sufficient mechanics for servicing the converted vehicles and the refueling since the state has no gas station with CNG refueling capacity.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Bomote Zaccheus, while speaking emphasized on having more information on the safety aspect of CNG usage since it has to do with gas. She also emphasized on the need to create an avenue for this innovative technology to meet a larger audience.

In her presentation, Mrs Doris Nurse-Ere Ndoboke, Fudons representative, said this form of Natural Gas is an alternative to petrol or diesel for vehicles as its key benefits are lower fuel cost, reduced emissions, cleaner combustion and environmentally friendly.

Mrs Doris further stated that they are the first CNG conversion licensed company in Bayelsa state. She noted that Fudons in partnership with Nigerian content development and monitoring board (NCDMB) has trained fifty (50) youths on handling CNG vehicles.

In response to the issue of the state not having a CNG station for refilling converted vehicles, Mrs Doris stated that the government help was needed in manufacturing the gas station, as they could involve their partners which are NIMCO and FEMADEC. She ended with a plea to the Commissioner through the Ministry to encourage the state government and private investor to join the innovative movement.

In response to the issues mentioned, Mr Odisapu Bestman Okaniba, another representative from Fudons stated that there is no fear for sudden explosion of CNG vehicles because the cylinder design is made of 7mm thick steel and control pressure, it has a pressure relief valve, emitted clean smoke and has a high ignition point.

He also emphasized on long value chain as investors can make profit from manufacturing kits, importation, conversion and servicing of vehicles.

At the end of the meeting, both parties agreed to set up a subsequent meeting with Fudons major partners from further deliberations.

‎PRESIDENTIAL STATE VISIT: TRADE COMMISSIONER MEETS MARKET LEADERS
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‎As part of the effort to present an organized front for the President's visit to commission four legacy projects in Bayelsa state, the Honourable Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Dr. Ebieri Jones has urge all heads of various markets in the state to ensure that their markets are closed on Friday 10th April, 2026.
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‎The meeting, which held at the Commissioner's Conference Hall, Secretariat Annex 4, Yenagoa on 8th April, 2026, aimed to ensure maximum cooperation and organization between the state government and traders.
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‎Dr. Jones, in his opening speech emphasized on safety of traders as there would be massive movement in the state due to the President's visit. To this regard, all markets are to be closed on Friday 10th April, 2026, he urged them to ensure that every trader is in compliance as the government is concerned about the social aspect of the traders and not only the business part.
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‎Okutukutu Market Welfare Officer, Victoria Benneth, suggested that the traders should be mobilized for the up coming Presidential visit.
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‎In response to this suggestion, the Commissioner applauded her and assured her that there would be a feedback concerning it.
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‎Opolo Market Secretary, Godfrey Abraham, in his vote of thanks, appreciated the Commissioner for taking out time to formally inform them about this development and promised they would adhere to it.
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‎Mrs. Tokoni Jonah, Opolo Market Trade Association Secretary, moved for the meeting's adjournment and it was seconded by Mrs Esther Josiah.

‎PROMOTION OF NON-OIL EXPORTS:
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‎Earlier today, the Honourable Commissioner for Trade, Industry & Investment, Dr. Ebieri Jones, attended an interactive session on facilitating access to export finance for SMEs in non-oil export sector, organized by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), at Federal Secretariat, Yenagoa.
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‎Declaring the programme open, Dr. Jones, encouraged exporters and potential exporters to ensure they have the required documents and sufficient off-takers that will enable them attract the Export Finance.
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‎Jones further urged participants to take advantage of the opportunities made available by the banks to expand their export business, noting that government's responsibility is to create enabling environment and build critical infrastructures.
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‎The programme which was organized with the theme: "Unlocking Export Finance Opportunities For SMEs Growth In Nigeria", had in attendance, the State Coordinator of NEPC, Mrs. Sylvia Adeneye, representatives of BOI, NEXIM Bank, UNDP, CBN, SMEDAN, NASME, Access Bank, Zenith Bank, UBA, Exporters and Potential Exporters.

‎COURTESY VISIT: NSUNGPMAN VISITS BAYELSA TRADE COMMISSIONER
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‎...Presents Bayelsa Made Sunflower Oil, Seeds
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‎The National Sunflower Growers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NSUNGPMAN) today, paid a Courtesy Visit to the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry & Investment, Dr. Ebieri Jones.
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‎National President of the Association, Jibrin K. Bukar, who was ably represented by the Chairperson, Bayelsa State Chapter, Mrs. Clara Sapere-Obi, expressed her profound gratitude and appreciation to the Honourable Commissioner for granting them audience, despite his tight schedule.
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‎Explaining that Sunflower is an oil seed crop with its oil highly consumed globally, Clara stressed that Sunflower is the third most consumed vegetable oil in the World after Palm and Soya and rated the second best after Olive due to health consciousness.
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‎While presenting the made in Bayelsa Sunflower Oil and Seeds, she noted that the purpose of their visit is to solicit for collaboration with the Ministry, inclusion of their Association to State programmes, support for trade fair and exhibition to showcase Sunflower products, support for setting up Sunflower processing facilities in the State, capacity building and training, etc.
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‎Dr. Ebieri Jones who observed a minute silent in Honour of the Late Deputy Governor of the State, His Excellency, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, assured them of the Ministry's collaboration and supports.
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‎While encouraging them for expansion and mass production of Sunflower seeds, oil and other products, Dr. Jones noted that Sunflower products has Agricultural, Industrial, environmental and economic value and can be exported in large quantities.