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21 Chinese Firms To Invest In Rivers
L-R: Vice-Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Lagos State, Mr Abiodun Adeseye, representative of Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Mrs Anike Adekanye and Minority Leader, House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, at the handover of N15 million solar-powered borehole projects executed by Rep. Gbajabiamila in Lagos last Monday.
Twenty-one Chinese companies have indicated interest in the development of potentials in oil and gas sector in Rivers State.
Reacting to the development, Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State described the action of the Chinese companies as a welcome development that would benefit Rivers State, Nigeria and China as they partner for mutual benefit.
Governor Amaechi, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Energy, Hon Okey Amadi at a one-day summit organised by the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) in Port Harcourt last Wednesday for Chinese vendors and Nigeria suppliers, noted that China as one of the fastest growing economies in the world, has a lot to benefit in exploiting the abundant oil and gas resources in the state and Nigeria.
“We are happy because the state government, SPDC, Nigerian businessmen and Chinese investors have a lot to benefit from this partnership,” he said, noting that it is a collaboration that would provide employment opportunities to the people as well as fasten Nigeria’s industrialisation initiative.
He stated that Rivers State has become one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria, and assured foreign investors of security and conducive business atmosphere, just as he also promised to provide land for construction of plants to facilitate technology transfer.
Managing Director of SPDC and Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mutiu Sunmonu, said the summit was one of SPDC’s numerous events designed to stimulate Nigerian manufacturing industrial base in support of the oil and gas industry through vendor/supplier development.
The MD restated that as Nigeria’s first oil and gas company, SPDC has a long and continuing commitment to Nigeria.
“In addition to helping the country unlock its energy resources, one of the best ways we have delivered on that commitment is to increase the participation and capability of Nigerian companies and individuals in our supply chain operations”, Sunmonu said
Sunmonu remarked that the summit was particularly aimed at stimulating the development of mutually beneficial partnerships between Chinese suppliers and Nigerian vendors to produce and build greater in-country manufacturing capacity.
Describing the theme of the summit, “ Stimulating Oil and Gas Value Chain Through Partnership and Collaboration,” as apt, Sunmonu said in spite of some challenges, Nigeria remains the investment destination of choice in Africa, and urged the Chinese investors to see the enormous offshore investment potentials, support and incentives available in Nigeria.
The summit attracted over 21 foreign investors, 300 Nigerians companies in the areas of pipelines, well engineering, power generation, electric power cables, chemicals and automobiles, to name but a few.
Also in attendance were Nigerian Immigration Services, Nigeria Capital Development Board, Nigeria Export Development Board, Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (PHACCIMA), Nigeria Export Promotion Council, amongst other stakeholders.
Highlight of the event was the networking and breakout sessions which provided a broad opportunity of business interactions between the Nigerian businessmen and foreign investors to negotiate and explore business ideas and take-off points.
While one of the Chinese investors, Tom Tang, MD of Kingle Group Ltd views the summit as a wonderful opportunity to explore business potentials, a Nigerian business man, Osiano Enigwana, COE of L. Enigwana and Company said it opens a link between locals and foreigners, and urged its sustenance.
Chris Oluoh
The 23 For OK & P-BAT Movement, a political pressure group championing the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the governorship ambition of Honourable Ogundu Kingsley Chinda across the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections, has congratulated both leaders on their victories at the recently concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries.
In a statement issued by the National Coordinator, Amb. Goodluck Braide, who also doubles as the President of the Renewed Hope Multi-Purpose Co-Operative Limited, President Tinubu’s victory at the APC presidential primaries in Rivers State was described as a reflection of his growing popularity and acceptance among Nigerians. The group noted that since assuming office in 2023, the President has implemented bold economic reforms aimed at repositioning the country for sustainable growth, prosperity, and national development.
According to the group, the outcome of the primaries is an indication of what to expect in the 2027 general elections.
The group also congratulated Honourable Ogundu Kingsley Chinda on his emergence as the APC governorship flag bearer in Rivers State, describing the primary election process as peaceful, transparent, free, and fair. It stated that Chinda’s emergence signals increasing political unity among Rivers people across ethnic and political divides.
According to the movement, the APC made a strategic and wise decision in presenting Chinda as its governorship candidate, citing his leadership experience, competence, charisma, and proven capacity as qualities that position the party for victory in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
Amb. Goodluck Braide, National Coordinator
The statement further acknowledged the role of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, praising his political foresight, resilience, and commitment to maintaining unity within the political structure in Rivers State while ensuring the state remains relevant in national politics.
The group equally commended the leadership of the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentanwe Yilwatda, noting that under his leadership since July 2025, the party has witnessed renewed strength, unity, and political growth ahead of the 2027 elections.
It also congratulated the people of Rivers State and Nigerians generally for their continued support and confidence in the Tinubu administration, which it said has made notable progress in promoting national cohesion, social integration, and economic development.
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
