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We’ll Build Rivers Into Industrial Hub, Reliable Economic Gateway, Fubara Assures …Promises To Set Up Investment Promotion Agency
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has vowed to spend his days in office working assiduously towards rebuilding the economy of the State beyond crude oil and gas so that it can be reckoned as a reliable economic gateway, investment destination and hub of robust industrial activities.
The Governor explained that it is for this reason that the economic and investment summit was organised in the State to congregate key players in the sector to share experiences, brainstorm and dissect ideas, and provide a roadmap that will put the State back on the lane for the expected accelerated industrialsation.
Governor Fubara gave the explanation when he received the report on the Rivers State Economic and Investment Summit 2024 from the Central Organising Committee at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
The Governor pointed to how the economic summit served as a gateway through which the world saw the investment potentials of the State, and said that the government will leverage on the opportunity created to attract investments into the State to make life better for the people.
Governor Fubara said in putting the summit together, everything was done to avert failure but regretted that some elements who do not want the State to make meaningful economic progress worked behind the scenes against its success.
He said, “I can boldly say here that most of the people that were invited as guests, some elements who didn’t wish us well, called them privately, asking them not to be part of the programme.
“They went as far as even, on the second day of the programme, because they did not expect somebody, a very notable person to be part of it, they tried to dissuade the person.
“These same elements organised a protest so that we will not have our way. But at the end of the day, God also made it possible that we had the programme and the programme was successful.”
Governor Fubara appreciated efforts of members of the committee, and especially the good people of Rivers State who stood by the government, and provided the need support that eventually made the summit a success.
The Governor insisted that what his administration is doing is to chart an enduring course for economic prosperity of the State.
Governor Fubara said: “Our State used to be one of the best. We had all the companies here, and all the oil companies were here also. They started here, and life was good (for our people) here.
“I know fully well that no matter how strong a man is, the strong man will die (one day). But when you have a strong policy, and you have strong institutions, those institutions will live forever.
“So, what we did and what happened, we tried bringing intellectuals to brainstorm for the purpose of building a State with strong economy so that tomorrow, people will not be struggling to become governors because of the good economy of the State.”
Governor Fubara said he wants to rebuild the State and see that it becomes economically stronger so that posterity will remember him for how he improved on what he inherited, and not killing it.
He noted the 15-point recommendations of the report submitted to him, and assured that his administration will take steps to establish an Investment Promotion Agency that will serve as a one-stop-shop for all business-related engagements.
The Governor emphasised, “I read flashes of thoughts written by one Prince of Dubai. How did Dubai start? They started with having an Investment Promotion Agency. That means, if you are coming into the State, you have where to go, you are asked of what you have to offer, and you say these are the things I have to offer.
“The agency will have all the solutions to inquiries. If any of such inquiries is beyond them, they know where to seek the attention of the higher authorities.
“With that, you can see business moving smoothly, investors will have opportunity to interact. Even if they are not seeing the Governor directly, they are interacting with the right body. Assurances are there, confidence is there, quick decision making is also there,” he added.
Governor Fubara said the support of everybody is required in investing energy in productive ventures that will strengthen the economy of the State and grow it into becoming the envy of other states.
He stated, “I will also assure, not just this committee because I know by next year, you might not even be the people that are going to coordinate it, but we must have it as a policy of the State, that every year, we will bring people together. Look at what we have done, what we need to do, and what we can also achieve, then plan for the future.”
Governor Fubara further said: “I can say it boldly, when we came on board, we looked at the activities of the internal revenue board. They were doing so little. So, we had to set up a technical committee. This technical committee worked out some modalities that improved our IGR.
“Today, I can make bold to say that our IGR in a year, so far, what they had then cannot be compared to what we have now. So, I strongly believe that if we come together, work as a team, we will have a better State where these issues that we are having today: economic hardship, which is the main thing, will be addressed.”
Governor Fubara spoke concerning the nationwide protest and the apprehension expressed in some quarters, and said that when the petrol subsidy was removed by the Federal Government, his administration was the first that took steps to provide palliatives to cushion the harsh effects.
He said, “Just like we did, after the issue of subsidy removal, we were one of the first states that launched free transport scheme for students and citizens of Rivers State, and we have sustained it. We didn’t end there, we brought a credit line of N4billion for our traders. Those people that are genuine ones that are struggling keyed into it.
“These ones are not stories. They happened live at the summit where we gave people money for them to invest to improve their businesses. Whatever Europe is today, it is because of small scale businesses that are encouraged.
“This is where you strengthen the economy of a country. On our part, we will continue to do that, because at the end of the day, if everybody is fine, crime rate will be reduced in our State,” he said.
Presenting the report on the Rivers State Economic and Investment Summit 2024, Chairman of the Central Organising Committee, Mr Chibeoso Aholu, said the summit held on 22-23 May, 2024, and with the support from the Governor, they achieved huge success in executing it.
Mr Aholu listed the 15-point recommendations made in the report that should receive immediate and future attention of the state government for implementation.
They included that the government should, “initiate appropriate policy and legislative framework that will improve ease of doing business and create a conducive business-friendly environment in the State; revive and recapitalise PABOD Finance, Ministry of Finance Incorporated, and Micro Finance Bank, to discharge their responsibilities effectively.
“The immediate establishment of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency as recommended by the summit. A draft Executive Order for the establishment of the Agency is here attached.
“Take measure to resuscitate the Trans-Amadi Industrial Layout and establish new industrial business districts, including the agricultural processing zone and a Free Trade Zone in the State.
“Take steps to provide necessary policy, regulatory and institutional frameworks to promote and advance the development of the Rivers State Blue Economy; and take practical steps to address the incessant demands and unending disruptions from communities, community groups, youths, which have caused the departure of many companies in the State”; among others.
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene