PHCCIMA  Reveals Plans To Move Association To Formal Sector

The President of Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA), Eze Mike Elechi, has revealed plans by the Rivers State Government to move  Catfish and Allied Fish Farmers Association of Nigeria (CAFFAN) from informal to Formal sector of the economy.
Elechi revealed this during the monthly general meeting of the fish farmers association at the Chamber’s Secretariat in  Port Harcourt recently.
He said the catfish sellers on the street, the fish smokers and the feed sellers are part of the Agriculture value chain.
According to him, the target was to get them registered as Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the state under the supervision of the State Ministry of Commerce and PHCCIMA.
He also encouraged members of the association to ensure they get their businesses registered, pay their taxes and  form a database.
This, he said, will enable them  to access input and fund to assist them grow their businesses
He  expressed optimism that  each  could employ at least two workers which will help in the reduction of unemployment in the state.
Earlier in his remark, the President of CAFFAN, Elder Clapton Ogolo,  called on members of the Association to put more effort in their businesses.
”If government can give palliatives to Civil Servants and other set of people in the society,  farmers will not be an exception”, he said.
Ogolo also assured his members of close collaboration with the Rivers State Government and bank of Industry in an attempt to assist them grow their businesses.
Highlight of the meeting was presentation by BOI Investment Manager, Mr. Uche Okonkwo.

By: King Onunwor