Business
RSG To Harmonise Multiple Taxes
In a move to harmonise
taxes in the state, the Rivers State Government says it is setting up a one-stop-centre that would act as a clearing house for all taxes with a view to encouraging investors in the state.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Chukuma Chinye stated this is his office on Tuesday when he received the South African High Commission delegation, on a trade mission to the state.
According to the Commissioner, the government has set up a committee to harmonise multiple taxes and illegal extortions by fake agencies, saying that tax is a law and any tax that is not backed by law is illegal. He said that there is a tax bill before the Rivers State House of Assembly aimed at creating a harmonized tax regime in the state.
The Commissioner reiterated that it takes less than three weeks to receive necessary documents relating to land acquired for business investment in Rivers State and that there is a bill before the House of Assembly prohibiting any body or persons demanding any form of money other than the amount paid for land acquisition.
He stated that the industrial policy of the state is geared towards creating enabling environment through infrastructural development, massive road rehabilitation network, security of lives and property and improvement of power supply, assuring that by the end of next year the 400 megawatt of electricity needed in the state would be achieved. He added that the state is aspiring to grow an independent economy where cluster of businesses would be created with adequate power supply and leverage some level of technology transfer.
The Commissioner stated that Port Harcourt is very safe for business to thrive and that what was lacking is an enterprise culture, political will and investment information. He said that there are business and investment opportunities in tourism, oil/gas, petrochemical and agricultural sectors.
Earlier, the Counsellor Economic, Southern African High Commission, Nicholas Coleman, said they came to rub minds and identify with the State government on the need to promote business and identify available opportunities in trade and investment in both countries.
His words: “We can do more on economic interaction between the two countries and we are here to learn new areas of investments, partnership, equity and bonds”.
Representing the President, Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Dr Amina Asimiea, said that the government has done much to encourage business investment and that PHCCIMA has aligned with government to boost investment in the state.
He noted that in every business sector there are broad spectrum of businesses and opportunities for investment, saying that South African intention is in tandem with Nigeria’s business aspirations.
The Chairman, Rivers/Bayelsa State Branch of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Mrs E. E. Akpan, charged South African firms to establish an assembly plan in Nigeria to alleviate the rate of unemployment in the country and transfer technology, noting that there are a lot of agric experts in South Africa that can come to boost the sector in Nigeria rather than make Nigeria a dumping ground for finished products.
Nkpemenyie Mcdominic
Reports say that the training is designed to equip youths with practical technical skills for employment in the oil and gas and construction sectors, with emphasis on employability, safety, competence and self reliance.
In attendance at the flag-off ceremony this week, at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Hall, Effurun, were stakeholders, dignitaries, and political representatives, among others.
Dafinone, represented by his Chief of Staff, Adelabu Bodjor, said the initiative reflects a deliberate political investment in human capital development across Delta Central.
He explained that the training focuses on rigging and scaffolding, noting that “both are essential technical competencies required in industrial operations, construction projects, and oil and gas installations”.
Bodjor added, “The programme is intended to reduce dependency among youths by providing job-ready skills capable of supporting long-term economic opportunities and self-sufficiency. The initiative aligns with Senator Dafinone’s broader development agenda, which prioritises practical skill acquisition as a pathway to sustainable empowerment.”
Also addressing the participants, the NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by Mr. Teddy Bai, commended Dafinone for sponsoring the programme, describing it as “a timely response to critical manpower gaps in the industry”.
Bai explained that rigging and scaffolding remain safety-sensitive skills required across fabrication yards, offshore platforms, and construction sites, stressing that the programme bridges the gap between certification and practical competence.
He also charged the training consultant, OROH Contractors Limited, to maintain strict standards of professionalism, safety, and discipline, while urging participants to remain committed, focused, and disciplined throughout the exercise.
The Senate Liaison Officer for Sapele Local Government Area, Chief Patrick Akamuvba, , described the programme as a major step in strengthening human capital development in Delta Central.
Akamuvba said scaffolding and rigging skills are in high demand across residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects, noting that the training offers real employment opportunities for beneficiaries
He urged participants to prioritise knowledge and certification over short-term material expectations, stressing that discipline and seriousness would determine their long-term success.
He also cautioned youths against social vices and distractions, advising them to remain focused to maximise the opportunities provided by the programme.
