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Sues for stronger monitoring mechanisms, protection of marine resources
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The Rivers State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering private sector-driven economic growth and harnessing the vast opportunities within the blue economy to drive national development.
The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, made this known during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), held in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
Represented by his Deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu, the governor described the conference theme, “The Gulf of Guinea and Blue Economy: Pathways to Trade, Investment and Security Towards a $1 Trillion Economy”, as both timely and strategic.
The governor warmly welcomed the leadership of NACCIMA, delegates from the 115 Chambers of Commerce across Nigeria, members of the diplomatic corps, captains of industry, investors and other distinguished guests to Rivers State.
He commended the National President of NACCIMA, Jani Ibrahim, for choosing Rivers State as the host of the 2026 conference, noting that the decision had drawn national attention to the immense economic opportunities embedded in the blue economy.
Governor Fubara stated that the blue economy possesses the capacity to generate revenue that could surpass earnings from the oil and gas sector if properly developed and managed.
He stressed the need for Nigeria and other countries along the Gulf of Guinea to take deliberate steps towards maximising the benefits of their maritime resources while guarding against the continued exploitation of coastal assets by foreign operators.
Expressing concern over the activities of foreign fishing trawlers operating in Nigerian waters, the governor noted that many harvest seafood resources without making meaningful economic contributions to the country.
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He emphasised the need for stronger monitoring mechanisms and enhanced protection of Nigeria’s marine resources.
“We must wake up and hit the ground running. If we do not capitalise on and utilise our blue economy, other nations will utilise it for us,” Governor Fubara stated.
The governor thanked NACCIMA for what he described as a timely wake-up call on the importance of the blue economy and maritime security, stating that the successful hosting of the conference in Rivers State demonstrates the state’s safety, hospitality and readiness for business and investment.
Earlier in his remarks, the National President of NACCIMA, Ibrahim, expressed appreciation to the Rivers State Government for hosting the 66th Annual General Conference of the association and for the warm reception accorded to delegates.
He noted that the state’s commitment to hosting the conference reflects its readiness for business and has helped to restore investors’ confidence in its economic potential.
According to him, NACCIMA highly values the cordial relationship between the Rivers State Government and the organised private sector, emphasising that the association remains the foremost voice of the Nigerian business community.
In her welcome address, the President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA), Chinyere Nwoga, described the conference as a historic milestone, noting that it was the first time in the Chamber’s 66-year history that it was hosting the national body of NACCIMA.
Nwoga commended the national leadership for entrusting PHCCIMA with the hosting rights and pledged the Chamber’s continued commitment to advancing the objectives of the association and promoting sustainable economic growth through private sector engagement.
