In a significant move to accelerate entrepreneurship and economic development in the Niger Delta region, the President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA), Dr. Chinyere Nwoga, has commended the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) and its Technology Incubation Centre (TIC) in Port Harcourt for their impactful work in nurturing innovation and transforming indigenous ideas into viable commercial enterprises.
Dr. Nwoga, the first female President of PHCCIMA since its establishment in 1957, described the centre’s efforts as fully aligned with the chamber’s core mandates of promoting sustainable business growth, empowering SMEs, and fostering an enabling environment for enterprises to thrive in Rivers State and Nigeria.
The commendation came during a courtesy visit by a delegation from TIC Port Harcourt to PHCCIMA headquarters, aimed at strengthening ties and exploring collaborative opportunities. Welcoming the team, Dr. Nwoga highlighted PHCCIMA’s stature as Nigeria’s second-largest and one of the most active chambers of commerce. She emphasized the chamber’s long-standing mission—building and protecting businesses while developing people through knowledge sharing, networking, advocacy, trade promotion, and capacity-building initiatives.
“Your work in fostering entrepreneurship, technology development, and innovation aligns perfectly with our objectives of sustainable economic development, SME empowerment, investment attraction, and creating thriving business ecosystems,” Dr. Nwoga stated. “We see tremendous synergy here, particularly in enterprise development, youth empowerment, women in business, and bridging the gap between ideas and marketable products or services. PHCCIMA is fully committed to a meaningful and productive partnership.”
She outlined potential areas for collaboration, including joint mentoring programs for incubatees, business advisory services, participation in trade fairs and exhibitions to showcase incubated innovations, policy advocacy for startup-friendly regulations, and facilitating linkages between TIC-supported enterprises and PHCCIMA members for investment, market access, and growth.
Leading the delegation, Mr. Emmanuel Ekhenlen extended goodwill on behalf of TIC Port Harcourt and expressed enthusiasm for deeper collaboration. He noted that both institutions share common goals in enterprise development, job creation, and innovative business growth.
Established in 2018, TIC Port Harcourt provides tech and manufacturing startups with essential support, including workspace, mentorship, technical assistance, and business advisory services to help ideas evolve into successful ventures.
Mr. Ekhenlen spotlighted the upcoming **NextGen Innovation Challenge 2026**, a flagship national program by NBTI designed to provide promising innovators with mentorship, training, investor connections, and global exposure. Applications are open from February 26 to May 28, 2026, via www.NextGenInnovation.ng.
He referenced a prior letter from NBTI Director General, Kazeem Kolawole Raji, delivered to PHCCIMA, and urged the chamber to mobilize its members—particularly entrepreneurs with strong ideas, prototypes, or inventions—to apply. “Close collaboration between TIC Port Harcourt and PHCCIMA will unlock greater opportunities for innovators and businesses across Rivers State,” he added.
The visit generated optimism among PHCCIMA leaders, including High Chief Emeka Ezekwe (Chairman, Professional Services and Consultancy Trade Group), Engr. O’nari Batubo (Chairman, Creative Arts), HM Dr. Patricia Ogbonnaya (Coordinator, WCCIMA), and the Chairperson of PHCCIMA’s Inter-Governmental Relations Committee, Tariboba Memberr, who all expressed strong support for the emerging partnership and its potential to drive innovation, economic progress, and inclusive growth in the region.
This alliance marks a promising step toward harnessing local talent, reducing unemployment, and positioning Rivers State as a hub for technology-driven entrepreneurship.