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European Investors Rate Rivers Best Economic Destination …As Wike Puts State On Frontburner In London …RSG Raises Alarm Over Plot To Stifle Economy
The management of The Financial Times of London and other leading European investors have rated Rivers State as Nigeria’s leading economic destination due to the programmes instituted by the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike.
Top member of the management of the World renowned economic and investment newspaper gave the indication yesterday. during a special investment programme organised for Rivers State by The Financial Times tagged: ‘Invest In Rivers State’ at its headquarters in London.
Speaking at the programme,Editor, Special Reports of Financial Times, Leyla Boulton said that Rivers State has become Nigeria’s leading economic destination due to the programmes initiated by Wike.
The Chief Executive Officer of Invest Africa and United Kingdom Business Council for Africa, Karen Taylor said that the government has redefined the economic advantage of Rivers State, making it attractive to the world.
Vice Chairman of Westminster Africa Business Group, Tim Johnsen noted that the presentation of Wike has highlighted key areas of investments to be explored by European investors.
In his remarks, Commercial Director of Financial Times in charge of Africa and Middle East, Mark Cowardine assured the Rivers State governor that the message of the investment potentials of Rivers State will promote economic growth in the state.
Senior Consultant at Control Risks, Imad Mesdoua, expressed satisfaction with the quality of information and opportunities that Wike has exposed to Europe on Rivers State.
Speaking at the occasion,the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike declared that his administration has implemented sound economic policies and programmes that have made the state the investment destination of Nigeria, adding that return on investment in the state is the highest in Nigeria.
Wike said: “The Government of Rivers State remains committed to making Rivers State the best place in Nigeria to live, work and do business through the implementation of sound policies and creating the enabling peaceful, secure and friendly environment for doing business in Rivers State. Investors are warmly welcomed, Rivers State awaits you”.
The governor assured intending investors that his administration has lined out incentives that have made the state investor friendly.
According to the Rivers State governor, the Rivers State Government under his leadership has provided visibility gap funding, minimum revenue guarantee, provision of land for development, provision of subsidies and reduction of/exemption from payment of taxes and levies.
“There is a stable, focused and progressive government that is committed to the state’s economic objectives, which is to build a strong, balanced and growing economy for Rivers State.
“The government has created the most business friendly environment for Rivers State with unprecedented investments in infrastructure, tax reforms and related economic incentives to reduce cost of doing business”, Wike explained on why European investors should invest in Rivers State.
Wike added: “We have given unprecedented attention to security of lives and property, Rivers State is now safe and secure for businesses and investors”.
The governor added that his administration has eliminated double taxation, instituted expeditious processing and grant of land documents, facilitation of investment processes and regulatory approvals.
Wike said that intending investors in oil and gas would benefit from the presence of the Oil and Gas Free Zone in the state, noting that the facility provides opportunities for the establishment of businesses across the oil and gas value chain.
The governor declared that the Rivers State Government has institutionalised laws, processes and policies to protect investments in the state.
He said: “Besides national laws, the Rivers State Government has also put in place appropriate legal framework to promote and protect investments in the state”.
Wike said as a gateway into the South-South and South-East zones, Rivers State also boasts of immense investment opportunities in the area of information and communication technology.
He added that there are remarkable investment opportunities in the areas of tourism and hospitality, pointing out that as the destination of choice for organisers of events, conferences and sporting events, Rivers State investment climate will reward any foreign investor.
The governor pointed out the successes recorded by establishing the innovative Port Harcourt Pleasure Park, which is now a regional centre of tourism, attracting several thousands of Nigerian and foreign visitors.
Wike informed the European investors that investment opportunities exist at the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority, where his administration has established framework for public-private partnerships, land subsidies and the development of infrastructure.
He also stated that there are investment opportunities in the area of manufacturing where investors can take advantage of the Trans-Amadi Industrial Estate.
The state chief executive added that public housing and property development remain another profitable outlet because of the population of the state.
The governor maintained that the availability of vast arable land and water makes Rivers State the national hub of agriculture and agro processing.
He said: “The state’s population, including the middle class is increasing in geo-metric proportions. Besides, the availability of a young educated, skilled and semi skilled population eager for employment offers abundant workforce and large emerging and relatively untapped market for consumer products and services.
Wike said that Rivers State possesses abundant natural resources, two existing seaports, an international airport and Nigeria’s second largest economy, waiting for credible international investors.
Wike was accompanied by Senator George Sekibo, Commissioner for Information and Communications, Barrister Emma Okah, Chairman of Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority, Chief Ferdinand Anabraba, Commissioner for Sports, Boma Iyaye and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Austin Opara.
The Rivers State Government says there are sinister moves by enemies of the government to stifle the economy of the state through orchestrated media-sponsored propaganda.
The Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim stated this while speaking as chairman during a media chat by the management of Showers Group of Schools at Grace Plaza, Woji Road in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Nsirim opined that the intention of the purveyors of the scheme was to blackmail the state government and cripple economic activities with insecurity-sponsored propaganda in the media, adding that the state was safe more than any other state in the country.
According to him, the state is the hub of oil and gas production which sustains the country, lamenting that due to the media-induced propaganda, some of the operators were moving out of the state.
He urged the media to change the narrative by telling the world and the society the proper situation of things in the state with a view to informing the public about prevailing peace and security and the aboundant business opportunities in the state.
“A lot of businesses in the state are moving to the West due to the media propaganda.
“As journalists, we must help to change the narrative. If you go to Onne and other places, you will see that there is nothing happening”, he stressed.
The permanent secretary averred that those living and doing business in the state owe it as a duty to support the state government in its effort to better the economy by painting the true picture of the state.
“If you live in the state and do business here, you owe it a duty to protect the economy of the state. In fact, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the media must rise above this sentiment, and help tell the true story of Rivers State”, he added.
Nsirim, however, said there was the need to support those who were providing qualitative education in the state so as to encourage them to succeed in their business of human development.
Earlier in her speech, the Chief Executive Officer, Showers Group of Schools, Mrs Ekama Emilia Akpan said the essence of the media chat was to build good relationship with the media as well as showcase some achievements recorded by the school.
Ekama said the passion of using the youth to capture the society was the reason why she chose education as the only way to achieve the target, adding that the school has commenced A-Level programmes for Nigerian students aimed at affording them opportunity to gain direct admission into tertiary institutions abroad.
She also disclosed that her students have made outstanding performances in their academic careers within and outside the shores of the country.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, yesterday extended interim relief measures to the people of Bille Kingdom as the government intensifies efforts to address the ongoing environmental degradation affecting the area.
This was contained in a statement by the Head of Information and Public Relations Unit, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Juliana Masi, yesterday.
The governor, during a working visit to Bille Kingdom in Degema Local Government Area, reassured residents of his deep concern for their health and well-being.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to finding a lasting solution to the persistent gas emissions observed in the community’s land and water sources since November 2025.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dagogo Wokoma, the governor announced immediate interventions to address urgent needs.
Some of the relief measures include the provision of potable water and essential medical services through the release of ?100 million as palliative support for the affected community.
According to the SSG, “Governor Fubara remains deeply committed to the welfare of the people of Bille Kingdom. Although unable to attend in person due to pressing state engagements, he is fully aware of the situation and determined to tackle the root cause of the environmental challenge”.
The governor assured residents that the state government would not relent in its efforts to provide a permanent solution to the gas emissions, emphasizing that the current intervention is only a temporary measure to ease the suffering of the people.
He further urged members of the community to remain law-abiding and continue supporting his administration, noting that he has consistently demonstrated a track record of fulfilling his promises.
Earlier, the Chairman, Council of Chief for Bille Kingdom, Chief Bennet Dokubo, expressed joy over the State visit, describing Fubara as a leader who listens to the plight of the people.
He urged the governor to critically look into the gas emission which he described as dangerous to human health.
“If we take you into the river, we notice that the entire environment is bubbling and smelling.
“We most humbly urge you to critically look into this situation. This is something strange we have never experienced before. It is not good for human health,” the monarch stressed.
The Federal Government has declared tomorrow (Friday) and Monday, April 6, 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Easter celebration.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government through a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani.
The ministe congratulated all Christians in Nigeria and in the diaspora on the joyous occasion of Easter, and urged Nigerians to imbibe the virtues of selflessness, forgiveness, forbearance and love as exemplified by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
He reiterated that the goal of the government remains to make decisions that would bring about national rebirth, economic growth, and shared prosperity.
The Tide reports that good Friday will be marked tomorrow, while the Easter Sunday will be celebrated on Sunday across the world.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Chief of Staff (CoS) to carry out their duties with discipline, loyalty and a firm commitment to the success of the administration and the wellbeing of the people of Rivers State.
The governor warned that any involvement in unauthorised nocturnal meetings or any conduct capable of embarrassing the government will attract immediate dismissal.
Fubara gave the warning yesterday shortly after the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Dagogo S.A. Wokoma and the new Chief of Staff (CoS), Barrister Sunny Ewule, were sworn in at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.
As part of the ceremony, the Chief Registrar of the State High Court, David Ihua-Maduenyi administered the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office on the duo before the governor gave his charge.
Addressing the appointees, Fubara reminded them that their elevation to the new positions was a call to service and not a platform for political grandstanding or the pursuit of personal ambition.
He stressed that their foremost responsibility should be to themselves and to the people of Rivers State, stressing that their conduct must always reflect integrity, restraint and dedication to public good.
Speaking directly to Dr. Wokoma, whom he described as an accomplished academic and mathematician, the governor expressed confidence in his intellectual depth and capacity to deliver on the new assignment.
The office of the Secretary to the State Government, Fubara stressed, demands thoroughness, discipline and a deep sense of responsibility. He charged the SSG to represent the State with honour at all times.
“Your duty includes representing the state government. You need to represent us in a way and manner that will bring honour to us.
“What is important to this administration is to see that the good works that we started and the ones that we met, are concluded in a way that will bring progress and development to our dear state,” he stated.
Turning to the new Chief of Staff, the governor explained that he is expected to ensure smooth administrative coordination, managing official engagements effectively and safeguarding the image of the Government House.
He underscored the sensitive and personal nature of the role and emphasised that the position operates strictly under the authority of the governor.
Fubara stressed that the role does not permit independent political engagements or private strategy meetings without his knowledge and consent.
“Let me sound it here very clearly. Your duty is to make sure that you handle the administrative duties and image making roles perfectly well, liaising with whoever is coming for any official assignment here.
“If you involve yourself in nocturnal meetings and all those things, I will sack you. I’m very serious. What is important to me today is peace, progress and prosperity of this state. I’m not going to compromise anything for it,” he said.
The governor cautioned that involvement of the new appointees in any action capable of bringing the government or his office to disrepute would attract appropriate sanctions.
While congratulating the new appointees, Fubara expressed optimism that they would justify the confidence reposed in them.
He called on all public officials to work together in unity, observing that collective success is stronger and more enduring than individual achievement.
The governor who also addressed the Permanent Secretaries present at the ceremony, directed those of them who have reached retirement age to start preparing their handover notes without delay.
The notice, he said, was not intended to scare anybody but to prepare their minds towards the inevitability of exiting the service one day and to pave way for an orderly transition.
He warned against any attempt to engage in financial misconduct or last-minute irregularities, stressing that he was closely monitoring the system to ensure strict enforcement of accountability rules.