By Daniel Abia
P/Harcourt
Governor Siminalaye Fubara of Rivers state has called for action to checkmate the continuous illegal incursion into Nigerian Maritime environment by foreign fishing trawlers.
Fubara said this while declaring open the 66th Annual General Meeting/Conference of The Nigerian Chambers of Commerce, industry,Mines and Agriculture( NACCIMA) in Port Harcourt
Theme for the conference was”The Gulf of Guinea And The Blue Economy: PATHWAYS To A ONE Trillion dollars Economy”
Fubara who was represented by his deputy professor Mrs Ngozi Nma Odu said the nation must wake up and be on guard against the activities of foreign fishing trawlers which have continued to scoop up the nation’s sea food without compensation.
“We must wake up and be the watchdog and make sure that what is ours remain ours, because I have mentioned it twice in other fora that trawlers come to our coast, the West African Coast, the Nigerian coast to scoop up Sea food and go away
“They don’t pay taxes they don’t pay any premium.So I thanked NACCIMA for this wakeup call,it couldn’t have been more timely”she said.
Fubara also thanked the chamber for choosing Rivers state for the hosting of the conference, stressing”I believe that you have done it intentionally to draw our attention to the issue of blue economy which is the theme of your conference this year
“I also thank you for proving to the world that Rivers state is safe, Rivers state is hospitable,we are particularly delighted that for the first time in the history of Rivers state this prestigious NACCIMA AGM is being hosted here, this milestone reflects the growing confidence that Rivers state is a destination for business, investment and partnership “
He said the vision of the present administration remains committed to creating an enabling environment for private sector participation in investment promotion,job creation and sustainable development
“We believe the government and the private sector must work together to unlock the vast economic potentials of our state and the nation
“Infact no nation achieve its full potentials without an intentional involvement of the organized private sector”
National president of The Nigerian Chambers of Commerce industry Mines and Agriculture NACCIMA, Dr Jani Ibrahim said his experiences so far has confirmed that Rivers state is ready for business
Ibrahim says”NACCIMA also valued the cooperation that exists between the Rivers state Government and the organized private sector
“So we commend the administration of His Excellency in creating an enabling environment for business growth, investment drive and economic development through strategic investment in road and transport infrastructure to facilitate trade and economic activities, urban renewal and critical infrastructural project that will continue to enhance the state investment climate and competitiveness, sustain support for private sector engagement and investment promotion initiative aim at driving enterprise development and job creation”
He said NACCIMA believes that this efforts have further strengthen Rivers state reputation as one of the Nigerian foremost commerce and investment destination as a critical gateway for trade and industry in Niger Delta and beyond
The NACCIMA National President expressed optimism that Rivers state will lead the way for the realization of a one trillion dollars economy
“We are hopeful and we are convinced that Rivers state will provide the lessons, the home for a blue economy for Nigeria “
Earlier, the president of the Port Harcourt chambers of commerce industry Mines and Agriculture (pHCCIMA) Dr Chinyere Nwoga said the conference will provide the opportunity for the state to position herself as Nigeria’s economic gateway
Nwoga said bringing the conference to Port Harcourt shows the confidence and esteem NACCIMA hold Rivers state.
