The Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency (RSIPA) held an interactive conference with the private sector, ministries, departments, and agencies on March 6, 2025, at the Atlantic Hall of Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt. The conference aimed to attract, facilitate, and retain investments in Rivers State by providing efficient, transparent, and investor-friendly services.
Established in August 2024 by Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara, RSIPA is tasked with driving economic growth and attracting investment to the state. The agency serves as a one-stop-shop for investors, streamlining inquiries and business interests to ensure efficient handling of investment-related activities.
RSIPA prioritizes attracting investments in critical areas such as healthcare and agriculture, aiming to reduce the cost of living and address pressing socio-economic challenges. The agency facilitates, complements, and coordinates activities of different MDAs and key players in the business environment.
Dr. Chamberlain Peterside Ph.D., M.IoD. The Director-General of RSIPA, presented the “Ease of Doing Business in Rivers State.” He reiterated the determination of the Gov Sim Fubara administration to promote ease of doing business and said the best tool is the One-Stop-Centre (OSC) being unveiled at the evening event.
He also unveiled the agency’s One-Stop-Centre portal, designed to facilitate investment by centralizing services and approvals in a single location.
The one-stop shop center is an integrated platform that has been developed to provide potential investors with access to comprehensive information and opportunities across various sectors of the state’s investment economy.
The one-stop shop Centre portal is an investment facilitation mechanism designed to streamline and expedite the process of establishing and operating businesses by centralizing services and approvals in a single location.
This approach aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles, enhance efficiency, and create a more investor-friendly environment. The one-stop shop will showcase the seamless process that has been developed for potential and existing investors in the State to be able to navigate the business requirements and facilitate the entry of new investors into the State.
During his presentation the Director general also explained the core mandate of RSIPA which is to improve the ease of doing business, support policy formulation, enhance public-private partnerships (PPP), ensure regulatory compliance, promote investment opportunities, and to facilitate investment.
The conference featured a welcome address by Lawrence Fubara Anga SAN, FCIArb, Chairman of RSIPA. Welcoming the teeming number of investors and business owners, the chairman of RSIPA, Lawrence Fubara Anga, said the event marked the continuing engagement with the business community in the state.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) of no mean status made it clear that RSIPA was not in competition with other government agencies neither was it an implantation agency but one to work with the other agencies to create ease of doing business.
He made it clear the mandate of RSIPA is to fasten business activities and provide the best climate for businesses to thrive, all in the bid to make Rivers State an investment haven.
He mentioned areas of investment focus for Rivers State at the moment as agric, tourism, entertainment, power, renewable energy, and SMEs. He said big businesses were important but small businesses were the major focus.
Dr. Chinyere Nwoga, the first female president of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, commended RSIPA’s initiative, stating that it would encourage investors to bring their businesses to the state.
In her observation, Constance Nwokejiobi, President of the Bonny Chamber of Commerce (BOCCIMA), harped on the criticality of the existence of the RSIPA and revealed the tremendous support the agency gave to BOCCIMA recently when trying to conclude a deal with the Caribbean group.
The fellow of the chartered accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) urged the business sector to embrace the RSIPA for huge benefits ahead.
Ofon Udofia, executive secretary of the Institute of Export Operations and Management (IEOM) raised issues on high tariffs in the Port Harcourt ports that tend to escalate costs in the state.
Others raised concerns on multiple taxes by local councils in the state while the issue of certificates of occupancy (CofO) were raised.
Government officials explained the details and said Gov Fubara does not allow CofO papers to last a day on his desk. Officials from the Ministry of Lands explained what causes delay and the wrong steps taken often by land owners.
RSIPA’s core mandate includes improving the ease of doing business, supporting policy formulation, enhancing public-private partnerships, ensuring regulatory compliance, promoting investment opportunities, and facilitating investment.
The agency collaborates with government ministries, departments, and agencies to promote a conducive business environment and attract sustainable investments that drive economic growth and create employment opportunities.
By fostering a business-friendly environment, RSIPA aims to transform Rivers State into a premier investment destination in Nigeria and West Africa. With its commitment to transparency and efficiency, the agency is poised to make Rivers State an attractive destination for investors.
The conference aimed to attract, facilitate, and retain investments in Rivers State by providing efficient, transparent, and investor-friendly services, while promoting sustainable development and enhancing the state’s economic competitiveness.
The Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency (RSIPA) remains unwavering in its commitment to transforming Rivers State into a premier investment destination in Nigeria and West Africa. By fostering a conducive business environment, the agency aims to attract sustainable investments that drive economic growth, create employment opportunities, and enhance the state’s global competitiveness.
