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‘Rivers, Nigeria’s Investment Icon’
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has said that the state holds strong investment potentials that will help the country exit her current economic recession.
He equally affirmed that with the recent security network, the state has become an investment haven.
Speaking after leading members of the State Executive Council and some Rivers elder statesmen on a tour of the N140billion Green Gas LNG Facility being constructed by Greenville Nigeria Limited in Rumuji, Emohua Local Government Area, at the weekend, Wike said that the state is critical to any plan to revive the nation’s economy.
He said: “Despite the negative propaganda being sponsored by opposition politicians in the state, investors have continued to troop to our state. This Green Gas LNG facility, which will serve different states in the South and North of the country, has attracted over N140billion investment to the country.
“I am happy that our investments in the security agencies have continued to yield fruits with greater investor confidence. For us, we will continue to provide the enabling environment for foreign investors to bring their funds to Rivers State “, he said.
Wike said the project has already started generating employment for the state, pointing out that the cumulative effect when it is completed, will further expand the economy of Rivers State.
He urged the people of Rumuji community to cooperate with the investors as they will always benefit from the Green Gas LNG Facility.
“Rivers State is key to the development of this country. Foreign investors know this fact. There is no reason why anyone who wants to develop the economy of this country will ignore this state. Today, the $1.5billion Indorama Fertiliser Plant is on stream, and now, we are in the process of having the N140billion Green Gas LNG Facility”, Wike opined.
Earlier, the Chairman of Greenville Nigeria Limited, owners of Green Gas LNG Facility, Eddy Van Den Broeke said: “We are in Rivers State to form a partnership with the state government for necessary economic growth “.
He said the project covers 42 hectares and will employ between 3,000 and 3,500 workers upon completion.
Broeke said at present, 80 workers daily are at the project site.
He said that on completion, 250 trucks will be loading from the facility, while it will generate 150 megawatts of electricity to serve Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chairman of Greenville Nigeria Limited added that the gas produced at the facility will help other parts of the country produce 600 megawatts of electricity.
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.
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