RSIPA Unveils Strategy to Boost Investment Climate in Rivers State
The Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency (RSIPA) has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming Rivers State into one of Africa’s most investment-friendly destinations through strategic collaboration, policy reforms and the establishment of a One-Stop Centre (OSC) for investors.
The Director-General of RSIPA, Dr. Chamberlain S. Peterside, made this known in his opening address at a stakeholders’ breakout session held on the sidelines of the 18th Port Harcourt International Trade Fair.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, who was represented by the Commissioner for Commerce, Hon. Senibo Joe Johnson, Dr. Peterside welcomed members of the State Executive Council, heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), business leaders, traditional rulers, members of the media and other stakeholders.
He explained that the session was organized to showcase RSIPA’s mandate, highlight investment opportunities in the state and engage the business community on their operational experiences, with a view to designing policies and regulations that would further enhance the state’s investment climate.
Dr. Peterside disclosed that RSIPA was established by an Executive Order in September 2024 as a first-of-its-kind agency in the state, with a clear mandate to facilitate, promote and drive private sector investment. According to him, the agency is focused on making private investment the cornerstone of Rivers State’s economic development, while collaborating with, rather than replacing existing MDAs.
Acknowledging long-standing challenges such as perceptions of insecurity, policy inconsistencies, multiple taxation, bureaucratic bottlenecks and high operational costs, the RSIPA boss stressed that the agency is not dwelling on challenges but prioritizing action, solutions and measurable results.
A key initiative highlighted was the planned One-Stop Centre (OSC), designed to integrate relevant MDAs and provide investors with timely, transparent and actionable business information. He noted that the centre would significantly reduce delays, improve the ease of doing business and minimize operational frictions faced by investors in the state.
Dr. Peterside emphasized that RSIPA’s strategy is anchored on focus, collaboration, stakeholder engagement and the adoption of global best practices, adding that “one deal at a time, the investment narrative of Rivers State can be changed.”
He assured stakeholders that RSIPA would sustain engagement with investors, regulators and policymakers, while providing necessary hand-holding support to achieve its goal of positioning Rivers State as a leading investment destination in Nigeria and across Africa.
Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Commerce, Hon. Senibo Joe Johnson, emphasized the importance of partnerships between government and the private sector. He stated that the Rivers State Government remains committed to protecting businesses and creating an enabling environment that opens up more opportunities for investment and sustainable economic growth.
Panelists at the session urged the government to adopt models used in Abuja to minimize land fraud and strengthen land security for property owners. The Commissioner for Housing also advised the state government to focus more on Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), stressing the need to move away from politically driven partnerships to investment-led collaborations.
In her remarks, the President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Mrs. Chinyere Nwoga, encouraged investors and business owners to invest in Rivers State, assuring them that the government is taking concrete steps to protect businesses, an effort she said is underscored by the establishment of RSIPA.
