There is great anticipation that agreements will be finalized at the Rivers Investment and Economic Summit starting on Wednesday, May 22, 2024.
Government officials and summit organizers have identified ripe opportunities that the state can quickly take advantage of.
Joe Johnson, the Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, revealed that Nigeria’s leading figures in finance and investment are expected to attend the two-day event. The summit will be chaired by Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the former emir of Kano, and feature prominent individuals like economist Kingsley Moghalu and financial expert Magnus Kpakol, who hails from Rivers State.
Various experts who will participate in panel discussions were introduced at a press briefing on Monday, May 20, 2024, at the Government House.
The publicity sub-committee is headed by Emma Okah and supported by Ibim Semenitari, both former commissioners for information and communications who served for more than one term.
Regarding the summit’s benefits, the information officials highlighted the focus on addressing the state’s concerns and offering solutions. They emphasized the importance of demonstrating readiness and transparency to potential investors.
Johnson explained that the summit’s spotlight is already on Rivers State, as is customary for economic summits.
Semenitari added that the economic summit serves to showcase the government’s mindset. She mentioned that some business deals are currently being negotiated by investors and might be finalized during the event. She clarified that the government provides a platform while most business agreements are made directly between companies. The emphasis is on making investment decisions.
Semenitari also discussed renewable energy as a key agenda point, noting that a government policy paper on businesses will emerge from the summit.
She pointed out that Rivers State plays a significant role in Nigeria’s economy, particularly in power generation due to its oil resources. She highlighted the state’s power assets and underscored the importance of decentralization for states to have legislative authority in this area.
Semenitari emphasized Rivers State’s potential in the blue and green economies due to its abundant rivers. She highlighted the state’s prominence in the creative industry and its growing ICT sector.
She projected that the summit would accelerate Rivers State’s economic development and unveil investment opportunities across various sectors.
The Commissioner for Information outlined the summit agenda with experienced economists and experts chairing different sessions over the two days.
Multiple speakers are scheduled to address key topics such as government policies, ease of doing business, technology, empowerment, agriculture, and various other sectors, aiming to attract investments and drive economic growth and development.
From: Amadi Vincent Uzoma
