NEW YORK, UNITED STATES — Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has said his administration will showcase the state’s investment potential at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, as part of efforts to attract foreign direct investment and accelerate economic development in the state.
Fubara made the disclosure on Tuesday during a side event at the UNGA, where he addressed a gathering of international investors, diplomats, and business leaders on the investment opportunities available in Rivers State. He said the state was open for business and that his administration had implemented reforms to create an enabling environment for investors.
“We are here at the United Nations General Assembly to showcase the immense investment potential of Rivers State. We have a strategic location, abundant natural resources, a skilled workforce, and a government that is committed to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive,” Fubara stated.
The governor highlighted key sectors of the state’s economy that are open to investment, including oil and gas, agriculture, blue economy, tourism, infrastructure, and technology. He noted that Rivers State, as the hub of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, offered vast opportunities for investment in refining, petrochemicals, and gas processing.
“We have the largest oil and gas reserves in the country, and we are strategically positioned to become the petrochemical hub of Africa. We are inviting investors to partner with us in developing our refining capacity, our gas infrastructure, and our petrochemical industry,” he said.
Fubara also spoke about the state’s agricultural potential, noting that Rivers State has vast arable land suitable for the cultivation of rice, cassava, oil palm, and other crops. He said his administration was investing in agricultural infrastructure and providing support to farmers to boost food production and create jobs.
“We are investing in agriculture because we believe that it is the key to food security and economic diversification. We are supporting our farmers with improved seedlings, training, and access to credit. We are also developing agro-processing zones to add value to our agricultural produce,” he said.
The governor also highlighted the state’s blue economy potential, noting that Rivers State has a long coastline and abundant marine resources that could be harnessed for fishing, aquaculture, and maritime transport. He said his administration was developing the state’s ports and waterways to boost trade and investment.
“We have a long coastline and abundant marine resources. We are developing our ports and waterways to make them more efficient and to attract investment in the blue economy. We are also investing in tourism, particularly in our cultural heritage and natural attractions,” Fubara said.
He outlined the reforms his administration had implemented to improve the business environment, including the digitisation of land administration, the simplification of tax processes, and the establishment of a one-stop shop for investment approvals. He said the government had also strengthened security to protect lives and property.
“We have made it easier to do business in Rivers State. We have digitised our land administration, simplified our tax processes, and established a one-stop shop for investment approvals. We have also improved security to ensure that investors and their investments are safe,” he said.
Fubara invited international investors to visit Rivers State and to explore the opportunities available. He said his administration was ready to partner with them to develop the state’s economy and to create prosperity for the people.
“We are ready to work with you. We are ready to partner with you. Together, we can build a prosperous Rivers State that is a model for economic development in Nigeria and Africa,” he said.
The event was attended by representatives of international companies, development finance institutions, and diplomatic missions. Many of the participants expressed interest in exploring investment opportunities in Rivers State, particularly in the oil and gas, agriculture, and infrastructure sectors.
As the UNGA continues, Fubara and his team are expected to hold bilateral meetings with potential investors and development partners to discuss specific investment opportunities and to sign memoranda of understanding. For now, the governor’s message is clear: Rivers State is open for business, and it is ready to welcome investors from around the world.
