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PH Trade Fair And The Economic Mix Grill

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The 5th Edition of  the Port Harcourt International Trade Fair, has made remarkable improvement when compared with previous editions. This is the opinion of some market operators and the organizers of the event, the Port Harcourt Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA).

Though, both the organisers and some of the operators share a common idea, that all sales in the Trade -Fair has over 20 per cent discount compared to the open market prices.

Some exhibitors came from far North, West and some neigbouring states, life Bayelsa, Imo, Abia and others.

In the views of the 2nd Deputy President of PHCCIMA, Dr. Renny Cookey, the 5th Port Harcourt International Trade Fair as organised by his organisation, is getting better and better over the years. The highlight of this year’s edition he said, was the opening ceremony which was formerly launched by the Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, who was ably represented by his Commissioner for Commerce, Hon (Chief) Ogbonna Nwuke last week.

Dr. Cookey, hinted that the opening ceremony was followed by a meeting with the Minister of Commerce and Former Governor of Imo State, Chief Achike Udenwa.

According to him, Udenwa spent about two days at the  Trade Fair. He said the minister’s main campaign during his two day stay was “much noise about the promotion of made in Nigeria goods.”

The PHCCIMA boss admitted  that the patronage of made in Nigeria goods are of a low patronage, saying that they are substandard.

Another reason he gave for the low patronage of made in Nigeria goods was orientation. He argued that people still believe that anything that is imported is of a superior quality to the made in Nigeria goods.

He explained that some of the products exhibited in this year’s Trade Fair are or a better standard but people still do not like or buy them simply because it is branded made in Nigeria but when rebranded made in Japan they buy them.

“Some of the products exhibited this year are of standard. But I can tell you that some of the products are better than foreign qualities. And I can tell you that some shoes made in Aba are branded made in Japan just to gain the market and nobody has disputed the quality, and it has to do with orientation,” he said.

He boasted that he is aware of a lady here in Nigeria, who makes and exports shirts to Marks and Spencer in United Kingdom. Because the quality of the production is very high. He pointed that tht because of the high quality of workshops like Marks and Spencer,  anyone maybe willing to buy.

About the issue of enlightenment campaign for made in Nigeria goods, he said that the Ministry of Commerce has to partner PHCCIMA in the promotion of or in the encouragement of the purchase of Home made goods or getting people aware.

The  Ministry of Commerce, or Government, he said, are, not in business, but the chambers which is the representative of the organised private sector, needs be allowed more participation in the campaign for Home made goods.

He stressed that PHCCIMA has access to all market operators and manufacturers, saying that if given the platform to carry out the campaign, it will achieve a high awareness  range more than the government.

He revealed that by Wednesday December 23, 2009, when the Trade Fair will formally end, almost double of the present exhibitors are expected in the market, adding, that it has become almost a tradition in the Trade Fair where some exhibitors believe  customers patronize them more towards the end of the Trade Fair in the preparation for Christmas celebration.

To this end, he said more products ranging from cars, boats, Generators, plough  moulers and other products will be displayed. He hinted that some big market makers like Dangote, Grevok, Eastern Enamel Ware and others will hit the market.

Concerning security, there are plain and uniformed security operatives. The uniformed men,  he said are organized by Medalion, to mount surveillance and monitoring of the market are noting that, the level of security is high, and exhibitors were happy to bring in expensive products to the market without fear.

Live entertainment was also part of this year’s Trade Fair where operators and buyers relax at the end of the day’s business.

When asked whether some of the Casino stands at the Trade Fair were part of his arrangements, he said no, saying that they (PHCCIMA) are not at the place to promote gambling, adding that such activity was not part of the objectives of the Trade Fair.

Some operators like Engr. Calistus Eziudu of Geopan Nig Ltd., who also spoke with The Tide, said he was there in the market to test-run products for customers before they carry it home.

Engineer Eziudu said since his company deals on generating sets, it was out of place to allow customers bear the risk of returning to the market should their purchased products fail at home.

Comparing this year’s edition of Trade Fair to that of last year, he subscribed  to the fact that there was an improvement  and an upward movement in terms of patronage.

The Geopan Nigeria Limited Engineer, who was full of praises for the organizers of the Trade Fair, explained that some people were not yet aware of the importance of Trade Fair due to lack of proper enlightenment campaign programme.  According to him, some people only came to the market due to some jingles done by some private companies, and therefore, called on PHCCIMA to do more in the areas of publicity.

The sales executive of Medic Company Limited, Joy Awuamba who was of a different view, said the market performance was poor compared to that of last year.

Agwuanba said that  the market, which has lasted about nine days as at Friday last week has little or nothing to show for it.

The sales executive officer of  Medic Company Limited, said though her products (security gadgets) are not a selling, blamed the low patronage on the yet-to be paid workers’ salaries and bonuses for the month.

She pointed out that her company reduced sales to almost 40 per cent discount but all to no avail.

Oku Perkins, who shared this view of low patronage with his colleagues, said  that the economic hardship, has affected negatively on that people’s purchasing power.

Perkins called on the organizers of the Trade Fair not to allow it coincide with any government’s function.  He argued that Friday sales was very low due to the CARNIRIV, saying that people also went there to buy as some exhibitors were reportedly seen at the venue.

In the area of s tall allocation, he regretted that the organizers take a cut-t hroat of about N400-N500 per square metre.  He said that the organizers should reduce it so that more exhibitors can come to the market.

The challenges in the Trade Fair he said, was lack of convenience, accommodation for exhibitors.  He lamented that exhibitors in the market go miles in order to have  themselves “cleaned up” and as well get dressed for the next day’s assignment.

Emiola Naturalist Care Limited, who also occupied about 120 square metres at Isaac Boro Park, venue for the 5th edition of Port Harcourt International Trade Fair, lamented that after paying upto N60,000, (electricity inclusive) for the space he booked for, the trade fair was not provided with light as promised by  the organizers of the trade fair.

Speaking to The Tide,  the company’s Principal Consultant, Mr Ayobami Adejare, noted that the company’s participation in the next year’s exhibition will be determined by a

strong  promise by the organizers to improve on the area of power provision.

Mr Adejare, regretted that after paying such a huge sum, the company still spends over N2,000 on daily basis to fuel the generating set in order to power its space at the trade fair.

He also intimated the organizers on the need  to do more on promo and announcement. He said that lack of enough promo and announcement was part of the setback the trade fair suffered this year, saying that people only started coming to the market after some companies went on air.

The product champion of Oceanic Bank Plc, Mr Sylvester, agree that there is low turn out of customers in this year’s edition of trade fair.  He said over the years,  turn out of customers have been encouraging, but could not say why this year was a different ball game.

He also admitted that customers still patronised the bank and others despite the low performance of the market.

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NIMASA Unveil Blue Economy Programme 

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The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has unveiled the body’s Blue Economy Accelerator Programme, NIMASA-BEAP, and the National Innovation Hackathon, a strategic initiative designed to attract young innovators into Nigeria’s marine and blue economy industry, stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as attract private-sector investment into the sector.

The accelerator programme and innovation hackathon are expected to provide a structured platform for young Nigerians and innovative enterprises to develop solutions to some of the challenges and opportunities across Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy value chain.

In his welcome remarks, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, described the initiative as a national development imperative aimed at positioning Nigeria to derive greater economic value from its maritime resources.

According to him, the scale of Nigeria’s maritime economy presents a significant opportunity for economic diversification, job creation, innovation and increased participation of Nigerians in maritime value chain.

 “Nigeria’s maritime economy is a multi-billion naira frontier we have left largely untapped. We capture less than three percent of the value moving through our own waters.

NIMASA-BEAP exists to correct that historic imbalance,” Dr. Mobereola stated.

He challenged young innovators and entrepreneurs to “Lead this frontier. Do not follow it” and see the maritime sector not merely as an industry, but as a frontier for innovation, investment and national economic transformation.

Delivering the keynote address, the minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola CON commended NIMASA for the bold initiative saying it represents a paradigm shift from only regulating to engendering the implementation of the blue economy for the benefit of Nigeria.

According to the Minister, “I want to commend, the Director-General and CEO of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, and NIMASA’s Executive Management Team, for the vision and institutional boldness this programme represents. This is not a routine government initiative. This is a paradigm shift from NIMASA as a regulator, to NIMASA as a catalyst. The NIMASA Blue Economy Accelerator sets a standard that I am proud, as Minister, to champion it before this audience”.

Represented by the Director, Marine Conservation and Innovation, Mr Shettima Hussein Shehu, the minister urged stakeholders including commercial banks, development finance partners and maritime stakeholders to key into the initiative by investing, mentoring and partnering with NIMASA to advance the blue economy sector.

Participants at the event took turns to commend NIMASA for the novel initiative of NIMASA-BEAP and pledged their commitment to partner with the Agency to ensure its full realisation. 

Representatives of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, First Bank, Zenith Bank, Fidelity Bank, Wema Bank, Shipowners Association of Nigeria (SOAN), Tamrose Limited, Petromarine Limited and Starzs Investment Limited were among those who committed to partner with NIMASA to drive the NIMASA Blue Economy Accelerator Programme.

The programme, which has been designed with clear timelines, responsibilities and accountability mechanisms to ensure effective delivery will open to young innovators aged from 18 to 28 on October 5, 2026 when the NIMASA-BEAP application portal goes live. Applications will close on November 13 2026, while independent evaluation and due diligence will take place from 16 November to 2 December 2026.

 

Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos

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NPCC Demands Faster Trade Processes 

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The Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC) has intensified its push for seamless, transparent and predictable port operations, calling for stronger inter-agency coordination and faster processes to improve Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and international trade.
The Council made the call at its quarterly meeting held Thursday at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos, with stakeholders examining measures to simplify cross-border trade and enhance ease of doing business at Nigerian ports.
The meeting, themed “Simplifying Cross Border Trade and Enhancing Ease of Doing Business at Our Ports,” brought together representatives of government agencies and maritime industry stakeholders to review operational challenges and seek practical solutions.
The Chairman of the Council, Mr Bolaji Sunmola, expressed concern over persistent challenges confronting Nigerian ports, including the resurgence of traffic gridlock around Lagos ports.
He said the long-standing aspiration of positioning Nigerian ports as a hub for West and Central Africa would remain difficult to achieve without addressing the operational and infrastructure bottlenecks affecting trade.
According to him, the NPCC exists to bring stakeholders with real operational challenges together with relevant government agencies to develop practical solutions.
“We want each of the agencies to come here, feel free, talk, say what you’ve been doing, say what solutions you are offering to the millions of challenges we have,” Sunmola said.
Against the backdrop of the Council’s push for streamlined port processes, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) announced that its Maritime Electronic Management System (MEMS) is now live.
Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, represented by the Director of Shipping Development, Abdullahi Yelwa, said the platform would strengthen digital traceability, improve visibility into vessel movements and operational records, and support faster regulatory decisions.
He said MEMS would deploy centralised data, automated alerts and smart invoicing to improve documentation, reduce manual processes and strengthen compliance.
The system would also improve tracking of services such as waste reception through time-stamped records and clearer billing trails, while its monitoring and alert functions would support earlier responses to marine pollution incidents.
Mobereola said ease of doing business begins before a vessel arrives at the port, requiring predictable pre-arrival requirements, timely certification, proportionate inspections and prompt resolution of regulatory issues.
Mobereola disclosed that the Federal Government is targeting a reduction in average cargo clearance time from 21 days to under seven days, but cautioned that technology alone would not achieve the target.
He maintained that reliable systems, accurate data, clear service standards and disciplined cooperation among agencies operating within the port and border environment would be required.
Meanwhile, the Vice Chairman of the NPCC, Mrs Jean Chiazor Anishere SAN, said Nigerian ports must move beyond simply functioning to becoming seamless, transparent, predictable and business-friendly gateways for trade.
“Where processes are fragmented, duplicated or unnecessarily prolonged, the cost is ultimately borne by the trading public and the Nigerian economy,” Anishere said.
She challenged stakeholders to assess whether traders can move cargo through Nigerian ports with fewer physical interfaces, fewer documents, reduced delays and greater certainty about cost and time.
Anishere stressed that port efficiency cannot be achieved by one institution working in isolation, noting that the NPCC’s quarterly engagements were designed to bring agencies and industry stakeholders together to identify bottlenecks and develop coordinated solutions.
She said the Council would continue to engage relevant stakeholders and ensure that its recommendations are brought before the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
The NPCC Vice Chairman also identified efficient dispute resolution mechanisms, particularly maritime and commercial arbitration, as important to investor confidence and participation in international trade
Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos
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Navy Uncovers Stolen Crude Oil In Rivers

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The Nigerian Navy has uncovered 119,850 litres of crude oil suspected to have been stolen, 350 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and 25 parcels of suspected Cannabis sativa at an illegal refining site in Ogbogolo Community, Ahoada West LGA of Rivers State.
The discovery was made last Thursday by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH under Operation Delta Sentinel following credible intelligence on the location, Navy spokesman, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho said.
In a statement issued Friday, Folorunsho said the suspected stolen crude oil was found in five dugout pits, while the suspected illegally refined AGO was recovered in six sacks.
He said no arrest was made as the suspects fled on sighting the naval personnel.
“The recovered products and suspected illicit substances were handled in accordance with extant regulations,” he said.
The latest success comes shortly after the conviction of nine crude oil thieves by the Federal High Court in Uyo, following their arrest during a Nigerian Navy-led operation under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
The development highlights the growing impact of the operation, which combines sustained maritime and riverine interdictions with intelligence-led action to disrupt crude oil theft and illegal refining activities across the Niger Delta.
 “Beyond recovering stolen petroleum products, the operation continues to degrade the infrastructure supporting the illicit trade while strengthening the chain from detection and interdiction to prosecution and conviction, ” the statement concluded.
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