The Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency (RSIPA) convened its first-ever stakeholders meeting on Thursday at the Government House Banquet Hall in Port Harcourt. This pivotal gathering is aimed at fostering collaboration among key players to streamline business operations and promote ease of doing business in the state.
Mr. Chamberlain Peterside, the Director General of RSIPA, unveiled plans for a comprehensive platform designed to provide vital information to investors. “We are creating a one-stop center that will offer data on various ministries and their activities, giving potential investors a clear snapshot of the processes required to invest in Rivers State,” Peterside explained.
The new platform will enable investors from around the globe to easily access information about the state's investment opportunities. “Our goal is to ensure that anyone, anywhere can connect with us and find valuable insights to guide their investment efforts,” he added.
Peterside emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement as a first step toward meaningful collaboration. “We want agencies and ministries to understand that we’re not here to take away their functions. Instead, we aim to complement and coordinate efforts to enhance their success,” he stated. He highlighted that while some ministries focus on investment-related activities, such as Lands, Commerce and Industries, Transportation, and Youth and Women Affairs, RSIPA is keen on partnership across all sectors.
Addressing the perception of insecurity that often clouds the state’s investment potential, Peterside acknowledged the challenge. “Perception is like a cloud; you can’t always predict whether it will rain or shine,” he noted. To combat this narrative, the agency plans to implement a transparent operational approach and launch a robust media campaign to showcase the positive aspects of investing in Rivers State.
“Last week, we celebrated a significant deal with the state waste management agency, which received considerable media attention. This is the kind of positive news we want to highlight, shifting the focus away from negativity surrounding insecurity,” Peterside said.
Peterside firmly asserted that Rivers State is not as dangerous as some believe, debunking misconceptions that stem from misinformation. “We aim to provide accurate, positive, and inspiring information for investors,” he stated, underscoring the agency's commitment to changing the narrative.
In terms of regulatory framework, Peterside highlighted the existence of a harmonized tax code that needs proper implementation. “We will collaborate with the Board of Internal Revenue and local government councils to ensure a smooth investment flow,” he added.
