The Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce successfully convened its 2025 Annual General Meeting on Thursday 21st November 2025, at the Chamber’s Conference Hall in Port Harcourt.
The well-attended gathering provided the platform for the first female President, Dr Chinyere Nwoga, to present a comprehensive report on the Chamber’s activities, achievements, and strategic direction over the past year.
In her address, Dr Nwoga described 2025 as “a year of consolidation, innovation and expanded influence,” highlighting PHCCIMA’s role as a catalyst for private-sector growth in the Niger Delta and beyond.
A Year of High-Impact Events:
The PHCCIMA boss noted that the chamber under her administration delivered an ambitious calendar of programmes designed to equip members with cutting-edge skills and market opportunities. Key events included:
The Import & Export Trade Group’s Breakfast Meeting on global trade trends
A landmark Tech & Digital Transformation Leadership Training organised by the ICT Trade Group
The Microsoft-certified Women in Digital Business Programme, which empowered female entrepreneurs with advanced digital competencies.
The World Habitat Day Real Estate Programme – focusing on urban crisis response,
The International Day for the Eradication of Extreme Poverty symposium titled “From Classroom to Boardroom,” targeting SMEs and NGOs.
The inaugural PHCCIMA Sports Fiesta, which strengthened camaraderie among members.
Multiple factory inauguration ceremonies for members, Jemzico Nigeria Ltd and Collective Power, showcasing manufacturing excellence in Rivers State.
Six PHCCIMA representatives also participated in a national Focus Group Discussion on MSME Digital Transformation, while the SMEs Trade Group Chairman, Mr Daboikiabo Jack, represented the Chamber at the South-South/South-East Regional Workshop of the NDC Scorecard for Sustainable Building Projects organised by the Green Building Council of Nigeria.
Strategic Collaborations and International Outreach:
The Chamber significantly broadened its institutional partnerships in 2025.
Notable milestones include:
A high-level working visit to the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) to deepen collaboration and capacity-building
Advanced partnership talks with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) on workforce skills development
Formal cooperation agreement with the Rivers State University Export Institute for student export-readiness programmes.
Commitment from the Bangladesh High Commission to facilitate trade and investment linkages.
Strengthened ties with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and endorsement of the Wakirike International Trade Fair 2025.
Promising engagements with the Dubai International Chamber, United Capital Plc, and Meristem Wealth Management Limited.
The Chamber also hosted courtesy visits from the Rivers State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Startupsouth, Caskel Resources, and the Combined Development Associations/Women’s Wing of the Chamber of Commerce (CDA/WACCIMA), among others.
Sumilarly, in line with the firm commitment of the current PHCCIMA Administration to offer a vibrant one-stop-shop – NSITF has taken a desk at PHCCIMA Secretariat to facilitate ease of access.
Membership Growth and Member-Centric Support.
PHCCIMA welcomed 59 new corporate and individual members in 2025, bringing the total number of members in good standing to 112. The Chamber intensified business-to-business linkages through targeted trade group activities and visibility campaigns, including participation in the Port Harcourt Tech Expo.
Special focus was placed on women entrepreneurs, with initiatives such as the Women in Digital Business programme, a strategic luncheon with the National Vice-President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), and roundtable discussions on overcoming barriers to female entrepreneurship.
Leadership Recognition and National Influence
Dr Chinyere Nwoga’s leadership received widespread acknowledgment during the year. She was conferred Honorary Membership by the prestigious Beach Harcourt Club and appointed to the Board of the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce. NACCIMA further recognised her expertise by naming her delegation leader for an international Power Plant Operations and Maintenance Seminar for Developing Countries.
Former PHCCIMA President Prince Dr Billy Sotubo publicly reaffirmed his continued support for the Chamber’s programmes, while a high-level NACCIMA delegation visited Port Harcourt to align national and regional objectives.
Looking Ahead:
Concluding her report, Dr Nwoga emphasised PHCCIMA’s commitment to positioning Port Harcourt as a preferred investment destination and a hub for innovation-driven enterprises. “Our achievements in 2025 reflect the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of our members,” she stated. “With stronger partnerships, enhanced digital capabilities, and an inclusive growth agenda, PHCCIMA is poised to drive even greater impact in the years ahead.”
The 2025 AGM ended with a renewed vote of confidence in the Executive Council and a call for sustained private-public sector collaboration to accelerate economic development in Rivers State and the Niger Delta region.
The highlights of the event were, presentation of certificates to new members, presence of past PHCCIMA Presidents among others.
