The Rivers State Government has reiterated its commitment to fostering a transparent, predictable, and investor-friendly business environment.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara said its part of efforts to accelerate economic growth, attract investment, and create sustainable development opportunities across the state.
Fubara made the commitment on Friday during a Technical Workshop on Business-Enabling Reforms and Investment Competitiveness held in Port Harcourt.
The workshop was organised by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) in partnership with the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency (RSIPA).
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, Governor Fubara said his administration remains focused on positioning Rivers State as one of Nigeria’s most attractive destinations for local and foreign investment through deliberate policy reforms and improved governance.
According to the governor, Rivers State occupies a strategic position within Nigeria’s economy and possesses significant comparative advantages, including a vibrant population, abundant natural resources, critical maritime infrastructure, and a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“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 stated.
Fubara emphasized that creating an enabling environment for businesses remains central to his administration’s economic agenda, noting that private sector growth is essential to job creation, wealth generation, and long-term prosperity.
He said the state government is committed to implementing reforms that will strengthen investor confidence, reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, improve service delivery, and encourage innovation and enterprise development across critical sectors of the economy.
The governor further noted that evidence from successful economies worldwide demonstrates that sustainable economic growth is often driven by governments that provide the right conditions for businesses to thrive.
“This understanding continues to guide our support for initiatives that promote investment, improve institutional coordination, and enhance economic competitiveness,” he said.
Fubara described the workshop as a strategic platform for stakeholders from government and the private sector to examine existing challenges affecting business operations, exchange practical experiences, and develop actionable solutions for improving the state’s investment climate.
He added that the engagement would help align state policies and programmes with international best practices while ensuring that reforms remain responsive to local realities and developmental priorities.
the Director-General of PEBEC, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, commended the Rivers State Government for hosting the workshop and creating an avenue for discussions on business-enabling reforms and investment opportunities.
She explained that PEBEC, established by the Presidency, is focused on strengthening the ease of doing business across Nigeria and unlocking economic opportunities capable of driving national growth and competitiveness.
Audu reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to implementing far-reaching economic reforms aimed at improving the country’s business environment, attracting investment, and enhancing confidence among domestic and international investors.
She stressed that achieving meaningful economic transformation in Nigeria requires effective collaboration and policy alignment among the Federal, State, and Local Governments.
According to her, coordinated reforms across all levels of government are critical to creating a seamless and efficient operating environment for businesses and investors.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Peterside Chamberline, highlighted the agency’s mandate to create a conducive environment where businesses can thrive, jobs can be created, and economic opportunities can expand.
He said the agency is focused on simplifying processes for investors and ensuring that businesses can operate efficiently while contributing to employment generation and increased government revenue.
“We know that private sector investment is the driver of economic development and progress,” Chamberline said.
“We are creating and making Rivers State the preferred investment destination.”
The workshop brought together government officials, policymakers, investment promotion experts, business leaders, and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for enhancing the state’s competitiveness and improving the ease of doing business.
