News
RSG Plans $170m Mall …Seeks Private Partnership On Greater PH
A $170 million shoptainment mall has been earmarked for Greater Port Harcourt City, Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State has disclosed, as he sought for private partnership in the development of the new Greater Port Harcourt City.
Speaking at the first private sector business roundtable, tagged,” Charting a New Pathway: Strengthening Partnerships between Public and Private Sector’’ last Monday in Government House, Port Harcourt, Amaechi said the mall was tailored to replicate the city of Las Vegas ,a city known for its brisk business and luxury in the United States of America.
According to him, government was seeking a third partner in the mall construction to reduce fund problems and fast track the development.
He disclosed that infrastructure provision in the new city would commence this month, and noted that government was also planning to build a 1,000 bed hospital,” and so we will be glad you partner with us’’.
Assuring participants of government’s readiness to partner with them, Amaechi said,” we are working to provide a conducive business climate for businesses’’.
Apart from the infrastructure, he promised that 24-hour power supply would be sustained with an independent gas power turbine, pointing out that already the state government had raised power provision in the state to about 445 megawatts and targets 715 megawatts in the coming years.
On what was being done to reduce the traffic problems in the city, he stated that two major roads to create outlets from the city had commenced. The roads include the M1 Road stretching from UTC Junction to the Airport, while another would run from Odili Road to link East-West Road at the outskirts.
On security, Amaechi recalled that prior to his administration, the state was in chaos, but stressed that the situation had improved considering the reduction in robbery, kidnappings and other crimes, while assuring the business community of more secured environment in the state.
Earlier in his remarks, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Barrister Chuma Chinye said the roundtable had proposed to highlight existing business opportunities, expand emerging economic prospects and strengthen government efforts to make the state a business hub in Nigeria.
In the words of Chinye,” Nigeria is not backward because of noble ideas, the challenge is implementation at sustainable levels’’, as he noted that the state was the first to commence such forums to pull its intellectual and natural resources to find ways to do things differently.
The 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) and conference of the Rivers/Bayelsa states chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has come to a close with a strong call for both states to drive the blue economy.
The communique just issued after the AGM pointed to what it called emerging prospects in fish processing, seaweed cultivation, ship repair, and marine technology.
The communique which also mentioned human capital gaps that must be filled through technical and vocational training that are aligned with modern industrial needs, said the blue economy represents a viable pathway for Nigeria’s industrialisation.
It said MAN and Arican Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) have the capacity to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy sustainably and inclusively, but said the region required dedicated infrastructure upgrades, including roads, waterways, and power.
The communique was signed by Vincent Okuku (Chairman of Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch); Michael Nosa Agana (Branch Vice Chairman/Chairman AGM planning Committee); and Chibuzor Eze (Executive Secretary, Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch).
The resolutions said the future of the Niger Delta economy lies in diversification rather than dependence on extractive industries. “Technology and innovation, value addition and local processing, strategic infrastructure, and a skilled workforce are essential pillars for the future of manufacturing in the region.
“Governments in the region must intensify support for manufacturing activities. Various forms of collaboration across sectors should be actively encouraged.”
It specifically advised Bayelsa and Rivers States to fully develop and harness the blue economy as strategic gateways for sustainable growth; and called for cross-border partnerships with neighbouring states to enhance trade, security, and environmental management.”
The Rivers/Bayelsa States branch of MAN held its first (41st) AGM outside Port Harcourt for the first time, hosted by Bayelsa State Government at the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, with the theme: ‘Trade, Technology, and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta.’
In his welcome address, the chairman of the branch, Okuku, commended the Bayelsa State Government under the leadership of Gov Douye Diri for its efforts in industrial development, investment promotion, and strong partnership with the private sector.
He also acknowledged the Rivers State Government for its commitment to rehabilitating industrial clusters, improving access roads, and delivering key infrastructure.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as high energy costs, unreliable electricity supply, weak transport systems, rising logistics expenses, multiple taxes and levies, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and pressure from host communities, which continue to hinder manufacturing growth in both states.
The President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, noted that the Niger Delta, with its abundant resources and strategic location, holds vast potential for industrial expansion. He called for policy frameworks that promote local manufacturing, enhance trade, and attract investments to the region.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, represented by Wasa Festus, Director of Community Development and Education. Another goodwill message was also presented by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Ebieri Jones.
In his remarks, Gov Diri praised MAN for its contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting its resilience, innovation, and strategic role in national development. He stated that the conference theme aligns with his administration’s mantra of “Assured Prosperity.”
Gov Diri offered 24-hour service to manufacturers wishing to relocate to the state, and highlighted the State’s ongoing transformation through deliberate investment in infrastructure, security, and human capital aimed at positioning Bayelsa State as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in the blue economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
He further noted that hosting the 41st AGM fulfilled a long-desired aspiration of the State following the successful 2024 MAN event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He officially declared the exhibition open.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has alerted the public to a fraudulent message circulating online, claiming that the NELFUND Student Loan Registration Portal is open.
The message directs applicants to a third-party link (http://gvly.xyz/Nelfund-Student-Loan, which NELFUND confirms is unauthorised and fraudulent.
In a post obtained from its X handle, yesterday, NELFUND urged students and the general public not to click on the link or provide any personal information, emphasising that the official loan registration portal is only accessible through the Fund’s verified channels.
The agency reminded applicants to exercise caution online and to report any suspicious links or communications claiming to be from NELFUND.
“Applicants are encouraged to always verify official announcements via NELFUND’s official website and social media channels,” NELFUND said.
This advisory comes as part of NELFUND’s ongoing efforts to safeguard students and ensure the integrity of the student loan application process.
-
Politics5 days agoOsun 2026: INEC Challenges Political Parties On Lawful Primaries
-
News5 days ago
Eastern Port Police Boss Promises On Crime-Free Operations
-
Business5 days ago
FG Set To Launch Free National Financial Literacy Training For 100,000 Youths,
-
News5 days ago
ICPC Jails Two Assembly Officials For N4.8m Job Scam
-
Health5 days ago
Lagos Trains Health Workers On Handling SGBV Cases
-
Politics5 days ago
Makarfi Resigns As PDP BoT Secretary
-
Niger Delta5 days ago
FRSC Begins Free Vehicle Safety Checks In A’Ibom
-
Business5 days agoInsecurity, Poor Power Supply Hamper Business Activities – Survey