PROFILE OF COSSCCIMA
She is the most active regional chamber of commerce in Nigeria. Presently, COSSCCIMA is growing body whose broad-based mission and vision is building and protecting the business while developing people through sharing of relevant knowledge and information to her esteemed membership.
COSSCCIMA will continue to work and act on behalf of businesses in our region and country, Nigeria, to foster economic development and interact with the legislative and executive arms of this Federation at all levels to ensure a good and an enabling economic environment for businesses to grow as a prime advocacy group.
This is the voice of business in the Niger Delta.
VISION
To provide a credible and profitable platform for articulating the business interests of the region. MISSION 1. To develop the capacity of local business and towards making them more competitive. 2. To organize world-class business and leisure events to achieve all year round Tourism, Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) and Joint Ventures Partnership. 3. To assist the government with ideas on how to improve institutional frameworks for facilitating business. 4. To help South-South businesses play competitively and profitably in all markets. 5. To promote Nigeria as a credible, value and profitable investment destination.
OUR VALUES
1. Business Ethnic & Education.
2. Global Best Practices.
3. Investment in infrastructure.
4. Business facilitation.
MEMBERSHIP AFFILIATIONS
1. Calabar Chamber of Commerce
2. Benin Chamber of Commerce
3. Warri Chamber of Commerce
4. Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce
5. Uyo Chamber of Commerce
6. Yenagoa Chamber of Commerce
7. Sapele Chamber of Commerce
8. Ethiope Chamber of Commerce
THE SOUTH-SOUTH : A BRIEF OVERVIEW
AKWA IBOM
Udom Emmanuel
Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State
“The Akwa Ibom Project involves attitudinal re-orientation; cultivation of a positive mindset; instilling self-confidence through massive empowerment of our people; and the inculcation of the moral values of hard work, courage, honesty, service and pragmatic peaceful co-existence”
Akwa Ibom’s 6,900 sq Km land area is located between Cross River, Abia, and Rivers on the sandy coastal plain of the Gulf of Guinea. It is bordered on the south by the Atlantic Ocean which stretches from Ikot Abasi to Oron. A sprawling volume of water seemingly kissing the skyline from flank to flank.
Akwa Ibom State lies between latitude 40 32’ and 5 0 53’ North; and Longitudes 70 25’ and 80 25’ East. In terms of structural make up, Akwa Ibom is triangular in shape and covers a total land area of 8,412 km2, encompassing the Qua Iboe River Basin, the western part of the lower Cross River Basin and the Eastern part of the Imo River Basin. With an ocean front which spans a distance of 129 kilometers from Ikot Abasi in the west to Oron in the east, Akwa Ibom presents a picture of captivating coastal, mangrove forest and beautiful sandy beach resorts.
Relief
The physical relief of the State is basically flat. There are in some areas, valleys, creeks and swamps due to the influence of the Atlantic Ocean, the Qua Iboe and the Cross Rivers which traverse the length and breadth of the State. The State has basically two distinct seasons: The rainy season lasts from May to October, while the duration of the dry season is November to April. However, in the coastal areas, rain falls almost all year round. The harmattan, accompanied by the North-East Wind occurs in December and early January.
Topography
The landscape of Akwa Ibom is mostly flat. This is because the underlying geology of the state is predominantly coastal plain sediments. The coastal nature of the state makes it the natural deposit of mosaic of marine, deltaic, estuarine, lagoonal and fluvio- lacustrine material.
Around Itu and Ibiono Ibom Local Area Councils, the topography of the land is undulating with some areas as high as 200 feet above sea level, while there are in some areas valleys, marshes, ravines and swamps due to influence of the Atlantic Ocean, Qua Ibo, Imo and the Cross Rivers. On the basis of terrain and landform types, the State has five major physiographic regions as indicated below.
Vegetation
The climate of the state allows for favourable cultivation and extraction of agricultural and forest products such as palm produce, rubber, cocoa, rice, cassava, yam, plantain, banana, maize, and timber.
There are basically two types of agriculture in Akwa lbom. The first is the small-scale peasant farming usually practised on family basis, and which produces food crops such as cassava, maize, rice, yam and cocoyam for family consumption with the surplus sold in the local markets. The second type of farming is the estate farming which specialises in growing cash crops such as rubber, cocoa, rice and oil palm.
Climate
The location of Akwa Ibom just north of the Equator and within the humid tropics and its proximity to the sea makes the state generally humid. On the basis of its geographical location the climate of Akwa Ibom State can be described as a tropical rainy type which experiences abundant rainfall with very high temperature. The mean annual temperature of the state lies between 26°C and 29°C and acerage sunshine cumulates to 1,450 hours per year, while mean annual rainfall ranges from 2.000 mm to 3.000 mm, depending on the area. Naturally, maximum humidity is recorded in July while the minimum occurs in January. Thick cloud cumulonimbus type is commonly experienced in the months of March to November. Evaporation is high with annual values that range from 1500 mm to 1800 mm.
As with every Nigerian coastal area, the state experiences two main seasons, the wet and the dry seasons. The wet or rainy season lasts between eight to nine months starting from mid- march till the end of November. The dry season has a short duration of between the last week of November or early December and lasts till early march.
Despite the seasonal variations, by the nature and location of the state along the coast which exposes it to hot maritime air mass, rainfall is expected every month of the year.
History
The Ibibios with the Efiks migrated down the Cross River during the first half of the 17th century and founded Creek Town, Duke Town, and other settlements including Calabar, Calabar developed into a major trading centre from the 17th to the 19th century, exporting palm oil in return for European goods.
After the chiefs of Duke Town accepted British protection in 1884, the town, which was called Old Calabar until 1904, served as capital of the Oil Rivers Protectorate (1885–93), the Niger Coast Protectorate (1893–1900), and Southern Nigeria (1900–06) until the British administrative headquarters were moved to Lagos. It remained an important port (shipping ivory, timber, and beeswax, as well as palm produce) until it was eclipsed by Port Harcourt, terminus (1916) of the railroad, 90 miles (145 km) west.
On September 23, 1987 the southwestern third of Cross River state got created as a new state called Akwa Ibom State. Thus, Akwa Ibom was created by combining the Uyo, Ikot Ekpene, Eket and Abak divisions of old Calabar province.
Population
According to Nigeria’s 2006 census Akwa Ibom is home to some 4 million people, a desnsity of 466 people per square km, 3% of Nigeria’s population of 36 states. Akwa Ibom population dynamics are controlled by the effects of fertility, mortality, immigration and emmigration. Population of Akwa Ibom State is evenly distributed according to the breakdown of the state’s population as tabulated in the schedule that follows.
There are vast areas of permanent swamps along the Enyong Creek and the coastal areas of Eket, Mbo and Oron, which are either very sparsely populated or totally uninhabited. There are swampy areas, unsuitable for settlement in the lower Cross River State Valley in Ibiono, ltu and Uruan LGAs.
About 60% of the population is agrarian and such related employ, 25% is commercial oriented while the remaining 15% constitute the civil and public sector.
Landmass and Climate
The 8, 412 km sq that forms Akwa Ibom State is endowed with enormous wealth. The land is arable – from the saline water swamp forest in the south, to the rainforest in the northernmost part – and supports extensive agriculture. A number of cash crops which can be processed into primary and secondary goods are grown in the state. They include oil palm, rubber, cocoa, kolanut, coconut, citrus cassava, yam, maize, rice, cowpeas, plantain, banana, pineapple and gmelina. Akwa Ibom has the highest number of oil palm tree per capita in Nigeria. A variety of tropical livestock can also be found in the state.
In terms of marines life, its continental shelf and the neighbouring estuaries of Cross River, Imo, Qua Iboe and Calabar rivers are very rich in many variety of fish and other seafood including catfish, sharks, barracuda, sardines, croaker, shrimps, crayfish, snappers, bivalves and oysters.
Culture
The Akwa Ibom indigenes having been known to be a mobile society have practiced social emancipation towards greater expansion as well as security and continuity of life at one time or the other in response to their environment, social order, and acceptable lifestyle of the day. They are a people whose culture can be identified with their language, ideas, beliefs, customs, codes, traditional institutions, tools, techniques, works of art, rituals, and ceremonies.
Intrinsic behaviors are bottled up and abolished through the use of taboos and stigmatization. Learned and freely variable behaviours are transmitted from parents to children and from generation to generation. Frequently, learned behaviours are showcase in cultural events such as traditional marriages, Obong Coronation, market trading, daily lifestyles, or even the more recent church based events and festivals.
Given the importance of culture, as the total way of life of a people as expressed in the economic, social, technological and political institutions like other Nigerian people, Akwa Ibom people documented their experiences through oral traditions.
The preservation of their history was important to the people, being the vital link between their present and their past. This has assisted the different groups to define their identity and transmit same to their children. Thus codification, preservation and transmission of these traditions occurr at different levels of the society- at family, lineage, village and at clan levels.
The homogenous nature of the people is accountable for the minor difference in our traditions and customs, including all other aspects of cultural life. Little or no difference exists in our dances, songs, myths, shrines, funerals, folklore, mode of dressing, foods, cults, festivals and monuments We are noted for wood carving, sculpture, pottery and most importantly cane And raffia works. Ikot Ekpene is recognised internationally for its raffia products hence the term RAFFIA CITY.
Akwa Ibom State is a home of culture. Their rich homogenous nature is expressed in their cultural outlook. To this end Akwa Ibom people have four distinct cultural characteristics that affect and direct their behavioral patterns. These include the following; Pre-occupation with the supernatural; concern for good morals; Rebellion against injustice and Belief in a strong family system. These four characteristics influence their music and dance. Therefore when music and dance is being talked about, in reality we are referring to the general role they play as instruments of social control.
Therefore, in order to understand the cultural and social role of the music of Akwa Ibom people, four major elements of their music becomes imperative, namely; the Folk songs, musical instruments, orchestras and dances.
Ethnicity
Akwa Ibom State enjoys a relatively homogenous ethnicity with the inhabiting ethnic goups of; Ibibio, Annang, Oron, Ibeno, and Eket. The Ibibio are the largest group followed by the Annang. Language similarities exits among the ethnic groups and they readily express similar customs.
It is belived that a common heritage exists among the various ethnic groups hence the prevalence of customary solidarity among them.
The similarities in language, music, values, art, styles, literature, family life, religion, ritual, food, naming, public life, and material culture is evidence of the historical fact that our people have pursued common social, cultural, political, and economic relationships.
Cuisine
Akwa Ibom is well known nationally for its exciting and rich culture. It is highly gifted in culinary culture as it is reputed for its salivating variety of standard cuisines. Akwa Ibom’s cuisines lures and tours the world. In fact, our culinary culture is exported around the world. Its meals are often described as irresistible and of outstanding preference. As the State lies within the tropical rain forest zone, vegetables, seafood and domestic animals dominate her traditional diets as most of these food items are in season for a greater part of the year.
The list of salivating dishes in Akwa Ibom culture can be long. The people are well versed in using farm produce like cassava, maize, yam, cocoyam, vegetables and so on to create a variety of meals to suit various periods of the day and occasions. Thus the state’s food preparation skills have resulted in the national appreciation of some of its dishes.
Akwa Ibom’s cuisine has a distinctive, regional quality that is rarely equalled. These quality standards are exhibited in the preparation of the meal, the comprising ingredients and the mode of presentation.
The Economy
Out of the six geo-political zones in Nigeria today, only the South South has the economic muscle to translate its dreams into realities. The rich natural resources of the zone accounts for more than 90 percent of total national earnings. The zone comprise Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and River States. For years, these states were considered as the minorities with little say in the management of their natural endowments. Not any more. Today, following from the return of democracy, we have become a voice that is heard across the land; a major power bloc. In this group, Akwa Ibom State is a major player.
The people of the zone are being empowered politically and economically, especially through the recent changes in federal revenue sharing system that gives 13 percent of oil earnings to oil producing states.
The zone has a total population of 3.9 million representing 3% of total national population of 140 million. Add to this the 16 million people in the neighbouring states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo which forms the south east zone and you will come face to face with one of Africa’ s extensive market, by far larger than the population of South Africa.
RESOURCES
The natural resource potentials of the state yield a wide variety of agricultural and industrial mineral products from which raw materials can be sourced locally. For example, the oil palm serves as the source of raw materials for palm oil and palm kernel oil. In addition, the extensive forest plantations in nearby Cross River State provide a source of raw materials for the establishment of paper mill the Oku lboku Paper Mill industry as well as other smaller paper mills established in the state.
The state has proven deposits of gold and silver nitrate. These are precious metals useful in the production of jewelry.
Oil & Gas Resources
There are large deposits of oil and gas both on and off-shore. Plus other mineral resources such as limestone, clay, gold, salt, coal, silver nitrate and glass sand.
Crude oil in the Niger Delta was first discovered at Ikot Akata in what is now Akwa lbom State during the early fifties following exploration for petroleum which began in Nigeria in 1937. Commercial discovery was, however, made at Olobiri in what is now Bayelsa State, with production beginning in 1958. In Akwa lbom, offshore production of crude oil, condensate and gas by Mobil Petroleum Nigeria Limited, now Exxon/Mobil, has rendered the state the largest petroleum producer in Nigeria. The Qua lboe Terminal (QIT) on the Akwa lbom coast is one of the largest production facilities in the Niger Delta.
Other oil-producing companies operating offshore in Akwa lbom State are Elf and Addax.
Agriculture
The climate of the state allows for favourable cultivation and extraction of agricultural and forest products such as palm produce, rubber, cocoa, rice, cassava, yam, plantain, banana, maize, and timber.
Given the nature of the environment, past employment and productivity, there is no doubt that agriculture holds the future prospects for development and employment in Akwa lbom State. At the moment, agriculture is the most important economic activity in the state and contributes a large percentage to the state’s income that is second only to petroleum.
There are basically two types of agriculture in Akwa lbom. The first is the small-scale peasant farming usually practised on family basis, and which produces food crops such as cassava, maize, rice, yam and cocoyam for family consumption with the surplus sold in the local markets. The second type of farming is the estate farming which specialises in growing cash crops such as rubber, cocoa, rice and oil palm.
Forestry
The state has one of the largest palm forest in the federation which harbours large varieties of wildlife.
Akwa lbom State supports a wide range of tropical vegetation that guarantees forestry as a viable economic venture. However, the dense human population in the State has profoundly altered the natural vegetation.
Extensive clearing of the land for farming and the exploitation of timber have virtually destroyed much of the original rain forest cover which is now restricted to a few isolated locations of forest reserves, “juju” shrines, and plantations. Other areas designed “protected forests” are so- called because they are protected against indiscriminate felling of trees and clearing.
The government has also embarked on forest plantations in Eket, Ikono, Oron, Abak, ltu and Ikot Abasi. The need to increase the hectarage of plantations and forest reserves should be stressed. The need for timber is increasing daily because of the demand for housing construction and furniture.
Mineral Resources
The state is endowed with various minerals resources. It is the third largest producer of petroleum in Nigeria. Other, resources include limestone, clay, natural gas, salt, coal, giver nitrate and glass sand.
Our soil is host to a number of mineral resources that can be commercially exploited. There are both the metallic and non – metallic minerals which have been fairly distributed across the various local government areas of the state. A number of studies have been undertaken by the Federal Government owned Raw Materials Research and Development Council, RMRDC, on their uses and application. These studies are readily available to investors.
Akwa Ibom State is set for the orderly and ecologically sound exploitation of these minerals in partnership with the private sector.
Human Resources
Akwa Ibom State is a colourful blend of people. The 2.5 million people come from more than 10 ethnic groups. The multi – culture provides a unique heritage of accommodation, warmth and understanding. Akwa Ibom people are noted for their friendly attitudes. The are industrious, honest and single – minded; always driven by a passion to excel. It is a carry over from the long history of interaction with the explorers who brought education and Christianity, our principal religion.
This is a value – based society, where honour and integrity is revered above transient gains. You will find a rich manpower pool to help you translate your corporate visions into reality. There are recreational facilities in key areas to help you to unwind. And for your children, there are numerous primary and post – primary schools, a college of education, a polytechnic, a federal university and an international standard maritime academy to prepare them for the future.
Investment
The strategic location of Akwa Ibom State in the warm-weather tropical zone and sandwiched in between States like Cross River State; an ancient regional economic, educational and administrative centre with historical links, which serve as a sea route to neighbouring Cameroon Republic and Equatorial Guinea, with a free export zone, tourist and business resorts like the Obudu Cattle Ranch, Qua Falls, Kanyan and Cross River National Park. Abia State with its cultural, military and colonial history museums, Rivers State with its Oil fields and by the fact Akwa Ibom State is located in the Niger Delta with its old slave ports, and at a day’s distance journey, makes Akwa Ibom a virgin Tourist haven for prospective investors. As an Ibibio myth says,” challenging demands and rewarding opportunities await those who dare to reach out for the priceless jewel on the python’s head”. This aptly describes what Akwa Ibom presents to an Investor.
INVESTMENT CLIMATE
A very clement tropical climate, marked by two distinct seasons – the rainy and dry seasons – combines with sound political and social conditions to create the right environment for new investments. We have put in place sound economic policies to support new investments and guarantee the safety of such enterprise. We are deregulating and divesting our interests in state funded companies. The business of government is to create an enabling environment for your business to grow. We are re- engineering our public service to operate with a private sector mentality. We are computerising our operations. We have made it possible for you to process and receive all government approvals with dispatch.
There are a number of incentives for new investors. The export processing zone at Ikot Abasi guarantees such benefits as tax holidays, processing for export and easy repatriation of profit in line with international practices.
Our people are warm, friendly and very accommodating. Crime rate is very very low. Akwa Ibom is one oil producing area without a history of hostage taking. Exxon Mobil which has been operating in our area since 1961, enjoys a very close relationship with the host community. We see it as a unique partnership for growth. To them, it is good neighbourliness.
The State believes that growth and sustainable development can take place through private sector initiatives under an enabling environment created by the government. As part of our responsibility to create that environment, the present administration will invest in strategic areas of power, telecommunications, oil and gas as well as human capital development. Government economic policy is consistent with providing the conditions for competition, liberalization and openness.
We believe in the empowerment of the people to participate and produce economic activities. In addition to numerous skill development programs, the government in partnership with the United Nations Development Program, UNDP, completed the Akpan Andem Entrepreneurship Village, to boost domestic produce capacities and create wealth.
Government is offering a number of incentives to attract and sustain investors. These include: free land and title, access to research studies on various fields in addition to tax holidays, capital allowance and easy repatriation of profits.
AKIIPOC has undertaken a number of studies on investment opportunities that exist in the state and is willing to share these studies with interested investors.
Free Zones
Akwa Ibom State is the only Nigerian state that is served by three export free zones. That means, triple benefits for investors. There is an export processing zone at Ikot Abasi, home to Nigeria’s multi – billion dollar Aluminium Smelter Company, Alscon. The state also falls within the catchment areas for Calabar export processing zone and the oil and gas free zone in Port Harcourt.
Because we are positioned midway between the two port cities of Calabar and Port Harcourt, Akwa Ibom has unlimited access to the world, whether by air or by sea. Much more, we have become part of Nigeria’s gateway to the countries of Central Africa, like Cameroon, Gabon, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea and Congo. These are great market potentials for our industries.
Currently, the Federal Government is dredging the Atlantic Coast at Ikot Abasi so that sea going vessels can berth at the port. This should help the export drive of Alscon and for you, foster business growth.
Agriculture
The rich land mass and the all year – round clement weather offer a favourable environment for the production of food and tree crops as well as livestock. The following crops are widely grown in the state.
The major industrial crop is the oil palm tree. The state has the densest groves of oil palm in Nigeria. The Akwa Palm Industries PLC was set up in 1991 to harness the full potential of this crop. The production of crude palm oil will allow for downstream industries which can refine the oil into vegetable oil, soaps, margarine, glycerine, candles, detergents and numerous other products. The kernel oil is used for the manufacture of high quality toilet soap. Bye product from the oil palm industries are used for the production of livestock feeds.
Areas for Infrastructure Investment
Transport
Airport-cargo handling
Bonded and unbounded warehouses (@ Airport & Seaport)
Deep seaport development
Dockyard and watercraft repair facilities
Water transportation
Ibaka – Tinapa rail
Inter state rail lines
Metro line & trams
Road infrastructure
Power
Independent power plant phase II
Power lines
Power distribution
Electrification installation accessories
Oil & Gas
Refinery
Gas gathering (dry)/Distribution
Gas-to-liquid (GTL)
Environment
Integrated waste management / conversion (waste to wealth)
Industries & Tourism
Industrial park
Trade fair centre in Uyo
Dome – consisting of amusement park, circus, entertainment center
Housing
Housing (commercial / residential / urban renewal)
Hotels
Water
Rural water and water treatment equipment operation and maintenance of urban water supply
Schemes and water pipe lines reticulation and distribution infrastructure
Information Technology
Manufacturing/assembling of ICT equipments and parts
ICT support services
Establishment of science lab for research / grading of produce
Tourism Potentials
The tourism industry in Akwa Ibom State promises an unlimited investment potential. The state has rich tourist sites that are eagerly awaiting investors to cash-in. The state boast of road networks that crisscross the entire landscape of the state. The state government is on the verge of completing its international Airport near Oron. In addition to Mobil, the state boasts of a vibrant State Tourism Board that is providing the enabling environment for investors. This is evident in the recent completion the of the largest resort at the Nwaniba river which boasts of the largest golf course in Africa and a five Star Ibom Resort Hotel being managed by Le Meridian, a global player in the hotel industry. In spite of these giant strides, there is need for more of such resorts to take advantage of the bustling tourist interest in the ‘land of Promise’.
With resort-type beaches such as the Ibeno Beach, Qua River water- side, the water front area of the Oron River adjacent to the Museum with its humid and temperate climate, the ancient trading beach at Okopedi, Itu; the tropical oil palm scenery of the Ibagwa river valley, the Ibaka fishing settlement site James Town, Uta Ewa fishing settlement, Ibaka beach, Obuabu Blue River and the Consular beach at Ikot Abasi are all resorts waiting to be fully developed and exploited.
Privatisation of Government Companies
At inception, the state inherited a number of companies from Cross River State. These are:
Sunshine Batteries, Essien Udim
Peacock Paint, Etinan (Privatised) Quality Ceramic Industries, Itu (Privatised)
Qua Steal Products Limited, Eket Asbestonit Industries, Oron
Plasto – Crown Industries, Uyo
International Biscuits Limited, Ikot Ekpene
Champion Breweries, Uyo (Privatised)
Pamil Industries, Abak
Most of the companies are ailing, becoming a drain on government. As part of the economic policies of the present Administration, these companies are to be revived and privatized. Government is diverting its interest in them in line with overall philosophy to focus on creating an enabling environment for private sector initiatives to flourish.
The State Government is pursuing its industrialization and privatization program through the Akwa Ibom Investment and Industrial Promotion Council, AKIIPOC. Through AKIIPOC, a number of interests have been secured as strategic partners and core investors in reviving these industries. The Plasto Crown Industries has been revived and is back on stream, producing crown corks for domestic and industrial uses.
A core investor has been secured for the Champion Breweries, Uyo. An interim board has been put in place to direct efforts at early resumption of operations. AKIIPOC is discussing with other investors from across the world in participating the revival of other companies.
Other industries in the state include Ebughu Fishing Terminal, Mbo, Akwa Rubber Estate Limited, Itu, and Akwa Feeds Limited, Uyo. There are two Federal Government industries, the Aluminum Smelter Company, ALSCON, at Ikot Abasi and the Nigerian Newsprint Manufacturing Company, NNMC, Oku Iboku
Investment Incentives
A Memorandum of Understanding was executed in 1986. New incentives were introduced between 1990 – 1993 by the Federal Government to encourage further investment in the gas sub-sector. Concessions are available for investors interested in Joint Venture with APEL Exploration and Production Company Limited.
The main policy thrust of Government on investment is to encourage private sector-led industrialisation. The State Government has established a corporate body: The Akwa Ibom Investment and Industrial Promotion Council (AKIIPOC) as the primary agency of Government. Government guarantees prompt allocation of plots.
In its effort to provide investors in the State with the most competitive and generous investment environment the government has obtained approval from the Nigerian Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA) for Export Processing Zone status.
About AKIIPOC
The Akwa Ibom Investment and Industrial Promotion Council, (AKIIPOC), is a statutory body established and signed into law by Government. The organisation is headed by a Director General.
AKIIPOC is constituted as the primary agency to prosecute the State Government investment and industrial promotion initiatives. Additionally, it will supervise government’s economic development programmes and institutions. Its terms of reference include:
Determine and advise on policies that will best promote accelerated industrialisation and multi sectoral investment to diversify the economy and enhance the state’s productive capacity.
Focus on key developments and investment issues that affect the state and suggest ways to resolve them.
Provide policy advice on industrial, agricultural, commercial, oil and gas, transportation, housing, utilities, manpower and other aspects of the state’s economy.
Carry on the business of Investment Trust and Holding Company and control all the investment and securities of the State Government in various companies, parastatals and other bodies.
Co-ordinate and monitor all investment promotion activities in the state.
Articulate and supervise the reactivation of industries and business concerns in which government has shares or interests.
Enunciate and implement policies that will attract investment and capital mobilisation.
BAYELSA STATE
Seriake Dickson
Exective Governor Bayelsa State
Bayelsa State is a state in southern Nigeria in the core Niger Delta region, between Delta State and Rivers State. Its capital is Yenagoa. The language spoken here is Ijaw language and dialects of the Ijaw language such as Nembe, Atissa, Akassa, Ogbia, etc. However, like the rest of Nigeria, English is the official language. The state was formed in 1996 from part of Rivers State and thus, it is one of the newest states of the Nigerian federation.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Area :………………………………………………… 21,100 Sq.Km
Capital: ……………………………………………..Yenagoa
Population: ……………………………………. Estimated at 2,000,000
Website: www.bayelsa.gov.ng
Economy
Bayelsa State has one of the largest crude oil and natural gas deposits in Nigeria. As a result, petroleumproduction is extensive in the state. However, the majority of Bayelsans live in poverty. They are mainly rural dwellers due to its peculiar terrain and lack of adequate transportation, health, education or other infrastructure as a result of decades of neglect by the central governments, state governments, and petroleum prospecting companies. This has been a large problem in the state since its creation and successive state governments have not been able to address and repair the issue. The state, as a result, has an almost non-existent commerce. Successive state governments have, however, embarked on various industrial projects (even venturing into the oil and gas sector), and “poverty-alleviation” programs to reverse this situation, however some argue that there is nothing on ground to show for huge sums of money spent for development by successive and present state governments.
The local population engage in fishing on a subsistence and commercial level. The Bayelsa State government is otherwise the main employer of labour in the state.
Geography
Bayelsa has a riverine and estuarine setting. A lot of her communities are almost (and in some cases) completely surrounded by water, hence making these communities inaccessible by road. The state is home to the Edumanom Forest Reserve, in June 2008 the last known site for chimpanzees in the Niger Delta.
Other important cities besides Yenagoa include Akassa, Amassoma (the home of the Niger Delta University), Twon-Brass, Kaiama, Nembe, Odi, Ogbia, Okpoma, Oporoma and Sagbama.
Climate & Vegetation
Bayelsa lies in the heaviest rainfall area in Nigeria, with heavy rain forest and a short dry season (from November to March).
Temperature
Humid: 300C (mean)
HISTORY
Bayelsa State was created on October 1, 1996 out of the old Rivers State. The name, Bayelsa, is an acronym of three former Local Government areas – Brass, Yenagoa and Sagbama – in the then Rivers State, which had earlier on comprised the entire area now constituting Bayelsa State. The then Brass LGA is what makes up the present Nembe, Brass and Ogbia Local Government Areas; the then Yenagoa LGA consist of the present Yenagoa, Kolokuma/Opokuma and Southern Ijaw Local Government Areas and the then Sagbama LGA is what makes up the present Sagbama and Ekeremor Local Government Areas.
The tradition in the old Rivers State, which is still the norm in Bayelsa State now, is the use of acronyms for local government areas. People referred to Brass Local Government Area as BALGA, for short; Yenagoa was simply YELGA, while Sagbama was SALGA. Since personalities from BALGA, YELGA, and SALGA made up the State Creation Movement prior to the 1996 exercise, the proposed name agreed upon was BAYELSA.
LOCATION
Bayelsa State is geographically located within Latitude 04o 15’ North, 05 o 23’ South and longitude 05 o 22’ West and 06 o 45’ East. It shares boundaries with Delta State on the North, Rivers State on the East and the Atlantic Ocean on the West and South.
AREA
Bayelsa State is a picturesque tropical rain forest, with an area of about 21,110 square kilometres. More than three quarters of this area is covered by water, with a moderately low land stretching from Ekeremor to Nembe. The area lies almost entirely below sea level with a maze of meandering creeks and mangrove swamps. The network of several creeks and rivers in the South, all flow into the Atlantic Ocean via the major rivers such as San Bartholomew, Brass, Nun, Ramos, Santa Barbara, St. Nicholas, Sangana, Fishtown, Ikebiri Creek, Middleton, Digatoro Creek, Pennington and Dobo. The vegetation here is characterized by the mangrove forest. In the North, it has a thick forest with arable lands for cultivation of various food and cash crops.
People & Language
There are four main languages in Bayelsa State, which are Izon, Nembe, Ogbia and Epie-Atissa. The predominant religions in the State are Christianity and Traditional worship. Bayelsa State has 24 first class traditional rulers (and many second and third class traditional rulers) recognized by the State Government.
Occupation
The major occupations in the State are fishing, farming, palm oil milling, lumbering, palm wine tapping, local gin making, trading, carving and weaving.
Commerce, Petroleum and Industry
Bayelsa State is a major oil and gas producing area and it contributes over 30% of Nigeria’s oil production. These are hundreds of oil wells and flow stations across the state. Oloibiri in Ogbia Local Government Area of the state is where oil was first struck in Nigeria in commercial quantities in 1956. Gas production activities are currently being intensified in the State. The LNG Gas Supply Plant that supplies 53% of the gas feedstock to the LNG plant in Bonny is located in Oluasiri in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. There is a proposed network of associated gas gathering pipelines from the Nembe Creek oilfields to the LNG plant. The major oil exploration and production companies operating in the State are Shell, Agip and ChevronTexaco.
The Kolo Creek Gas Turbine Project owned by the Bayelsa State Government supplies electricity to Yenagoa, the State Capital, and surrounding towns and villages.
In addition to oil and gas, the State has large reserves of clay, sand and gravel’s of importance to the industrial sector
Local Government Areas:
* Ekeremor
* Southern Ijaw
* Brass
* Nembe
* Ogbia
* Yenegoa
* Sagbama
* Kolukoma Opukuma
Bayelsa State Rural Development Authorities
1 Ministry of Education
2 Judiciary
3 Office of The Auditor-General For Local Government
4 Yenagoa City Development Authority
5 Civil Service
6 MInistry of Youth, Conflict Resolution & Employment Generation
7 Ministry of Water Resources
8 Ministry of Sports Development
9 Public Service
10 Ministry of Justice
11 Ministry of Information, Culture & Communication
12 Ministry of Housing & Urban Development
13 Ministry of Health
14 Due Process & e-Governance Bureau
15 Ministry of Gender & Social development
16 Ministry of Finance & Budget
17 MInistry of Youth, Conflict Resolution & Employment Generation
18 Ministry of Energy
19 Ministry of Enviroment
BUSINESS REGISTRATION
Conditions for registration of contractors/suppliers and consultants
CONDITIONS FOR CONSULTANT
No fees to be charged
Certificate of incorporation
Certificate of Registration with relevant professional body
Tax clearance of the last three years
Company profile and evidence of project handled.
Bankers reference letter
Verifiable office in Yenagoa or any other town in Bayelsa state
CONDITIONS FOR CONTRACTORS/SUPPLIERS
Fees to be charged
Certificate of Incorporation/Registration
Tax clearance of the last three years
Company profile, HSE policy and evidence of projects handled
Articles and memorandum of association for limited liability companies and plc
Bankers reference letter for limited liability and plcs.
Letter of identification of the director/proprietor from any one of the following:
Landlord
Magistrate/High Court Judge
Community chief
Clergyman
Local Government Chairman
Verifiable office in Yenagoa or any other town in Bayelsa State
Consultants Registration Categories:
* Architects
* Engineers
* Land Surveyors
* Quantity Surveyors
* Town/Regional Planners
* Media
* Financial/Investment
Contractors Registration Categories:
GRADE AMOUNT OF CONTRACT REGISTRATION FEES
A N500m and above N250,000.00
B N200m – below N500m N150,000.00
C N100m – below N200m N100,000.00
D N50m – below N100m N50,000.00
E N20m – below N50m N10,000.00
F N5m – below N20m N5,000.00
G Less than 5m N2,000.00
The registration grade a contractor applies for shall not as of right be the applicants final grading.
A relevant technical committee of the Registration Board of Ministry of Works &Infrastructure shall evaluate the resource base of the companies and class same thereafter.
All payments made to Bayelsa State Government – IGR Account No. 055503010000125 at FIDELITY BANK PLC Ekeki Bayelsa State and teller forwarded to the ministry of Works &Transports for collection of the registration form.
Note that all previously registered contractors are not exempt and must return their certificates/receipts of payments for revalidation
Taxes
What you need to do
Visit any of the Internal Revenue Service officers or any Bayelsa State Government designated collection bank today.
Obtain and understand all necessary information concerning payment of taxes.
make payment in line with the minimum tax payable for each income category as stipulated below.
SALARY RANGE TAX PAYABLE PER MONTH
1 – 25000 Minimum 0.5%
25001 – 30000 425.00
30001 – 35000 900.00
350001-40000 1,667.00
40001 – 45000 2,626.00
450001-50000 3,625.00
50001-55000 4,625.00
55001-60000 5,625.00
A. Maximum Reliefs Are Granted As Follows:
Personal Allowance of 20% on the average of salary category per annum + N5,000
Rent Allowance of N150,000.00
Transport Allowance of N20,000.00
Children Allowance of N10,000.00
Dependent Relative Allowance of N4,000.00
Meal Subsidy of N5,000.00
Utility Allowance of N10,000.00
Entertainment Allowance of N6,000.00
B. Tax Rate Is Applied As Follows:-
1st N30,000 of taxable income at 5%
Next N30,000 at 10%
Next N30,000 at 15%
Next N50,000 at 20%
Above N160,000 at 25%
Benefits
Self assessment saves time
Documentation authentic
You will be fulfilling your civic responsibility
Please note that this is a provisional assessment.
for further inquiries contact:
Office of the Executive Chairman, Bayelsa State of Internal Revenue Service, Revenue House, Lambert Eradiri Road, Onopa, Yenagoa, Bayelsa PMB 59,Yenagoa, Bayelsa.
E-mail: [email protected]
Tel: +234-089490268
Investment In Bayelsa
The State is amongst the richest in Nigeria, richly endowed with mineral and natural resources ; underpinning is the remarkable scenic beauty which offers opportunities in hospitality and tourism.
In an attempt to proactively harness the untapped resources of the State for sustainable development, the State Government has set up the “ Bayelsa Investment Promotion Office” (BIPO).
The BIPO is responsible for attracting local and foreign investment to the State. Thier services include
• Investment Facilitation
• Creation of Conducive Investment Environment
• Monitoring and Evaluation of Investments
• Development and implementation of Investment Incentives
All areas are open to foreign participation with special focus on
• Power from oil & gas and Alternative energy
• Waste Management
• Tourism & Hospitality
• Agriculture and Agrobased Industry
• Infrastructure development
• Manufacturing (Polymer, Ceramics)
• Property Development
See more investment opportunities here
Interested investors should contact:
Bayelsa State Investment Promotion Office
DSP Information Technology Centre
Yenagoa, Bayelsa State
Nigeria
Telephone: +2348033296754
Email: [email protected]
Tourist Attraction Sites in Bayelsa State. Tourist Attraction Sites in Bayelsa State.
Lake Efi
Lake Efi is a huge natural lake located in Sabagreia, in Kolokuma/Opokuma local government area of Bayelsa State, and that is where the popular fishing festival take place. Astonishingly, the lake is to believed to be self-purifying and despite the forest that surround its approximately 2Km2 area, the lake clears every fallen piece of debris to its banks, leaving its entire surface pristine at all times. Also, according to local folklore, the lake is said to periodically kill fish in great quantities to provide food for local people. When this occurs, there is a festival as people collect the huge fish lying around for collection by the natures. Even more astonishing, despite the fact the lake is brimming with crocodiles, they do not harm humans during the festival.
Seigben Ogugu Lake
The Seigben Ogugu Lake in Amassoma, the university town, is 3km long and 500m in width, with a peculiar curving course. It is the site for the popular Seigben Ogugu Fishing and Feasting Festival, itself a popular tourist attraction.
The Okpoama Airstrip
The air strip at Okpoama is also a tourist site in its own right, bisecting the dense forest and running through to the Atlantic coastline.
Akassa Slave Tunnel:
The slave trade left many scars on the Niger Delta, where it was very active, and of course Nigeria as a whole. In Ogbokiri, Akassa, Bayelsa State, stand grim-looking houses where slaves were chained as they awaited shipment to the Americas. Built of iron and brick, they are of considerable historic interest, particularly to ‘heritage’ tourists.
Akassa Lighthouse:
Standing approximately 60m tall by the seaside in Akassa, this structure is reputed to be the tallest lighthouse in West Africa. Originally built in 1910, but relocated to its present site in 1912, its purpose was to help ships coming into the inland sea ports navigate their way through shallow waters. The lighting system was facilitated by solar energy. Standing out on the seashore, visitors would be amazed by this architectural edifice, while climbing the lighthouse would be an adventure to remember. Also the long stretch of sandy beach by the lighthouse adds more value to this site in terms of its future development as
British Consulate Building:
The British established a consulate in Twon-Brass, from where they administered the area during the era. ‘legitimate trade’. The consulate buildings were still in use till the end of the colonial period in 1960.
Whiteman Graveyard:
This is a cemetery containing the graves of Europeans who died in the Akassa raid of”1895. This was sparked by the way the local palm oil trade was coming under the increasing control of the Royal Niger Company at the expense of indigenous traders. The dawn attack of more than a thousand Nembe warriors on the company’s headquarters was led by King William Koko. The graveyard tells a vivid story of the raid and its bloody aftermath. It is located at Twon Brass, Brass Island and can be easily reached from the Brass jetty. A similar cemetery can also be found in the Ogbokiri area of Akassa.
Oloibiri Oil Museum:
The first oil-well drilled in Nigeria was at Oloibiri, in Ogbia, Bayelsa State, in 1956. The well itself remains intact. A full-scale museum of oil history has been proposed on this location as a joint project by the state government, the federal government and the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria.
Isaac Boro Memorial:
The name Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro and the town of Kaiama are symbols of the Niger Delta peoples’ struggle for economic and environmental justice. In 1966 Boro took up arms against the Nigerian Government and the oil companies, which he jointly accused of bringing misery and environmental devastation to local communities. With a rag-tag army of 160 men, he declared the independent Republic of the Niger Delta with himself as head of state. His revolution ended in defeat after 12 days but he remains a local hero, with the Isaac Boro Park as an important landmark in Port Harcourt, the neighbouring Rivers State capital. Meanwhile, a monument in Bora’s name has been built in Kaiama, his home town in Bayelsa. It was here, on December 11, 1998, that 5,000 Ijaw youths gathered to unveil the Kaiama Declaration. This charter of demands, calling on the oil companies to clean up their act, echoed those of Boro more than 30 years earlier.
Opume Bronze Heads:
These are a collection of ancient relics whose origin and basic historical details continue to defy explanation. Comprising a lion’s head, a tortoise head and a sword, they are preserved in Opume forest in Ogbia local government area of Bayelsa. Apart from the uncertainty surrounding their provenance and age, they do not appear to be carvings. They are regarded as sacred objects and are steeped in local folklore. The story goes that a prince picked up the lion’s head out of curiosity and placed it onto his own. It became stuck and the prince became as wild as the animal whose resemblance he was sporting, terrorizing the whole neighbourhood and killing people. His father, the king; had no choice but to order him to be killed for his people’s safety.
Due Process & e-Governance Bureau
Today in Bayelsa, a quiet revolution in the area of Due Process and e-Governance has started. The Government of Governor Timipre Sylva, the Executive Governor of the State, established the Due Process and e-governance Bureau for the purpose of transforming the way government business is undertaken by enthroning the culture of responsibility, accountability and transparency. It is using information and communication technology (I.C.T) to achieve good governance.
The Due Process & e-Governance sector encompasses:
The Information and communications Technology unit
Due Process (Ethics, Monitoring and Pricing)
To support and promote the diversification of the state’s economy, the Due Process & e-Governance Bureau is proactively creating awareness as well as seeking ways of introducing Information and Communications Technology as a key sector in the state’s economy and as such the Due Process & e-Governance Bureau is championing the introduction of ancillary services such as the provision of internet services, provision of telecommunications services to encourage the location of industries in the state.
To promote and encourage fiscal discipline, transparency and accountability, the Due Process & e-Governance Bureau has established guidelines including quality assurance and pricing intelligence that will improve the award, confirmation and implementation of contracts in the state;
More-so to improve education and develop the knowledge economy in the state, the Due Process & e-Governance Bureau actively developing information repositories that will create knowledge base and data banks for educational, social, cultural and technological initiatives, findings, research and development.
Our Mission
To work towards the sustainable development of Bayelsa State by ensuring procurement best practice by all MDAs (Ministries, Department and Agencies) enabling Sustainable Development through the integration of ICT solutions state-wide; and ensuring Sustainable Development Strategy is properly and adequately employed.
Our Goals
To improve Good Governance, including transparency, accountability and civil society participation in governance by the deployment of e-Governance Strategies and technologies.
To eliminate all forms of fraud and corruption in the public service through the deployment of appropriate technologies and procurement best practice and regulations.
To improve the state’s economy by growing the ICT sector; ensuring savings through better procurement practices and by developing ICT to all state transactions and other economic activities.
Our Policies
To support the Bayelsa Vision of United, secure and prosperous society by providing innovations and Information and a Communications technologies to meet the challenges of sustainable development while ensuring procurement best practice and the proper coordination of the Bayelsa State Sustainable Development Strategies.
Our Plans
To deploy e-Governance coordination system for Finance, Project Administration, Electronic Document Management, Human Resources Management, School Administration, Geographic and Land Management, etc.
To construct an Information and communication Strategy that can be applied to the Sustainable Development of Bayelsa State and the growth of the ICT sector.
To institute processes that will evolve a strong outsourcing sector in Bayelsa State.
To Build State-wide ICT infrastructure including fabric optic backbone, reliable internet sources (fibre optic and V-SAT) for data coverage to meet household, business, educational and other applications.
To continue training to build capacity within the public service in procurement best practice, ICT use and innovation and sustainable development strategy, construction and implementation.
Our Objectives
Harmonization of existing government policies and practices on public procurement and ensuring probity, accountability and transparency in the procurement process;
Establishment of pricing standards and benchmarking.
Ensuring the application of fair, competitive, transparent, value for money standards and practice for the procurement and disposal of public assets and services; and
Attainment of transparency, competitiveness, cost effectiveness and professionalism in the public procurement system.
Our Function
Formulation of general policies relating to public procurement for the approval of the State Executive Council, including regulations, guidelines, directives, instructions, technical notes and manuals;
Maintaining a list of procurement entities and, subject to the approval of Executive Council, make regulations or guidelines for the composition, functions, powers, and procedure of the procurement Board of any procurement entity;
Publicizing and explaining the provisions of the Public Procurement Law;
Certifying all procurement prior to award of contract in line with the thresholds approved by the council;
Certifying all contract awards within the monetary review thresholds defined by the State Executive Council on public procurement;
Certifying all procurement in line with the established threshold before award and conducting process compliance review for procurement below the threshold.
Monitoring procurement and ensuring compliance with statutory and contract requirements;
Monitoring the prices of tendered items and keeping a data base of standard prices;
Maintaining a database of the particulars classification and categorization of suppliers, contractors and service providers;
Collating and maintaining in an archival system all procurement plans and information covered by the public procurement law;
Undertaking procurement research and surveys;
Organizing training and development programmes for procurement professionals;
Periodical review of the socio-economic effect of the policies on procurement and advising the Executive Council accordingly;
Advising the State Government on issues relating to public procurement;
Our Powers
Enforcement of the monetary and prior review threshold approved by the Executive Council for the application of the provisions of the public procurement Law by procurement entities;
Issuance of “Certificate of No Objective” for contract award within the prior review threshold for all procurement within the purview of the Law and “Certificate of No Objective” for payments at different stages of payment;
Stipulating to procurement entities the procedures and documentation prerequisites for the issuances of the “Certificate of No Objection
Inspect or review any procurement transaction to ensure compliance with the Law, if the need arises;
Review and determine violations by procurement entities;
Recommend to the Executive Council where there are persistent or serious beaches of the Law and guidelines;
Investigate and act upon complaints received;
Nullify the whole or any part of any procurement proceeding or award which contravenes the Law; and
Do such other directives and perform such other functions as may be necessary to achieve the objectives of the Law;
Request for and obtain from any procurement entity information including reports, memoranda and audited accounts, and other information; and
Liaise or collaborate with relevant bodies or institutions national or international for effective performance.
Goals and Objectives for the 2010- 2013 period
The Due Process and e-Governance Bureau has the following goals and objectives, which were drawn from the high-level policy documents and priorities of the State in the medium term.
Targets
Computer literacy for all identified system uses especially top government functionaries including everyone in the service upwards from director cadre.
Competent ICT professionals in the service capable of supporting the wide adoption of technology in government.
ICT Graduates immediately useful to employers.
Provide state’s requirement for ICT Engineers, Programmers, Web Designers & technicians by 2013.
Completion of all ongoing internal roads Yenagoa and its environs.
Completion of all ongoing projects in the rural areas of the state.
Provide complete Enterprise Network Infrastructure that would be the foundation for information management and communication, providing support for the Budgetary, Treasury, Accounting, Revenue Capturing, Monitoring, Transparency, Management, and Administration & coordination.
Implement Messaging & Collaboration System that will serve as the basic information system within government, which would be available to mobile phones.
Implement Electronic Document Management System that will automate documents, workflow, and business process automation.
Budgetary Implication
The government’s averred commitment to promote and encourage fiscal discipline, transparency and accountability, has through the Due Process & e-Governance Bureau is actively established guidelines including quality assurance and pricing intelligence that will improve the award, confirmation and implementation of contracts in the state;
More-so the government desire to improve education and develop knowledge based economy in the state, the government through Due Process & e-Governance Bureau is actively developing information repositories that will create knowledge base and data banks for educational, social, cultural and technological initiatives, findings, research and development. Given the above position, the government has earmarked 1.55% of her capital budget for the 2010-2013 medium term period to this sector which translates to N5.61b
Bayelsa CDA Stars
The Bayelsa State Government in Nigeria, is piloting and testing a three-year Child Development Account program as a way to support and invest in the youth of Bayelsa.
The goal:
The goal of the pilot program is to provide public school children with a means and incentive to stay in school, save for and invest in their futures, and begin to change their attitudes and behaviors toward themselves.
The beneficiaries:
Initially, the pilot is focusing on a small, specific group of students: 1000 students from 24 schools across the 8 Local Government Areas (LGAs). The pilot is focusing on Junior Secondary students (similar to 7th grade, or middle school in other countries). Since the program aims to improve public school graduation rates, the students crossing from Junior Secondary to Senior Secondary are at a critical point where students either choose to continue, or drop out.
The pilot phase will last for 3 years, and, if successful, the program may be expanded to include all of Bayelsa’s state school children.
Child Development Accounts (CDA):
1000 accounts will automatically be opened for JS2 students enrolled in 24 schools across the 8 LGAs. The Students and schools are selected by lottery. There are also clear strict rules and guidelines for all participants to provide a transparent system. These rules and commitment to transparency will insure the accuracy and long-term acceptability of the program.
Each student who chooses to open an account will commit to saving on a quarterly basis, and the Bayelsa State Government will double the student’s investment, up to a MAXIMUM annual cap of 40,000 Naira.
Child Development Accounts EXAMPLE:
A selected student saves 5000 Naira on a quarterly basis (every three months). 5000 x 4 quarters = 20,000 Naira
Bayelsa State Government rewards the student’s participation by doubling it = +40,000 Naira. In this case, the student will have a total of 60,000 Naira in one year (student’s own savings=20,000 Naira + 40,000 Naira (state government support).
At the end of three years, upon successful graduation from senior secondary school, the students will hopefully have saved and earned 180,000 Naira, or more, if the student saves more, or does well in school.
The student then has something they did not have before—a savings account with money saved in it, constituting assets. The savings in the account can then be used by the student to plan for his/her future career development, specifically, further schooling, specialized training, or to start a business.
Please note that the above EXAMPLE is the maximum that we want the student to save, in most cases the student will deposit smaller amounts in their account—but all of those deposits (up to the 5000 Naira a quarter cap) will be doubled.
Extra benefits of participating:
Students gain financial training and education. The goal is that the student develops the habit of saving and ability to plan for their future. Past studies have shown that students who have goals and hope for the future usually also do better in school, tend to avoid risky behaviors and become more productive members of society
We hope that the Bayelsan and greater Nigerian community will support these students who choose to participate in the program, by encouraging them to save towards their future. If the project is successful, as we plan for it to be, this program can be expanded to all the children of Bayelsa.
The Bayelsa State Government is supporting those who help support themselves. This project gives the Bayelsa State Government a concrete, transparent and clear way to invest in its people.
Go to official website of Bayelsa CDA Stars
Bayelsa Expenditure and Income Transparency Initiative
His Excellency Chief Timipre Sylva, Executive Governor of Bayelsa State was sworn in on the 28th of May 2008 and has also committed to run a transparent and accountable government that seeks sustainable development for its citizens beyond oil.
Key components of the Bayelsa State Government’s Sustainable Development Strategy include:
Sustain the current peaceful environment and enhance investment climate in Bayelsa State.
Seek financial and technical partnership with international development partners (UNDP, World Bank, DFID, EU…) to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
Review and strengthen government revenue, budgetary and expenditure processes
Design a comprehensive communication strategy to raise awareness and advocate Bayelsa State initiatives to foster revenue transparency and accountability.
The Bayelsa Expenditure and Income Transparency Initiative (BEITI) owned and driven by the Bayelsans is proposed to open up the books of the state to the highest levels of scrutiny and situate Bayelsa as Nigeria’s most transparent State government. The BEITI aims to bring transparency through:
• Monitoring of public expenditure (State, Niger Delta Ministry, LGAs, private sector voluntary contributions)
• Audit government receipts from FGN, Internally Generated Revenues (IGR) and actual transfers to Local Government Authorities
Rationale for BEITI
Policy makers in Bayelsa State need good information and data on public finances and processes to devise the right policies; and the public needs good information to trust the policy makers in handling state resources.
The Federal Government is only one of over 800 governments (36 States and 774 local governments) in the country. Nigerians are more directly affected by the States and local governments’ actions and inactions on transparency issues.
The benefits of greater transparency and accountability for Bayelsa State include:
Democratic debate: Transparency is needed to allow democratic debate on fiscal policy and spending priorities. When information is hidden, people can build unrealistic expectations about the state riches which are bound to be frustrated.
Accountability: BEITI will strengthen accountability in both the executive and legislative branches of government by reducing opportunities for corruption and the potential for waste of public resources.
Improved Economic planning and human development: BEITI creates a platform for monitoring revenue and expenditures which will improve economic planning and resource allocation. Fostering greater transparency can improve service delivery and access to basic social services to address the needs of the poor.
Access to finance and investment: Demands for greater transparency not only come from citizens but also from international financial institutions, investors, banks, donor organizations and international civil society. Lack of transparency is seen as a major obstacle to the creation of a favorable investment climate, better management of public resources and poverty reduction. A more transparent system will stimulate private sector investment and mobilize more resources to achieve the goals outlines in Bayelsa State Sustainable Development Strategy.
Scope
The BEITI will ensure transparency in the receipt, allocation, accounting and management of the State resources through:
Creation of a multi-stakeholder Steering Committee including Bayelsa State Government representatives from the Ministry of Finance and Budget and other key line ministries, a representative Niger Delta Ministry, representative(s) from Bayelsa State House of Assembly –including the Chairmen of the Public Accounts Committee and Appropriation, Finance and Economic Planning Committee – civil society representatives and the private sector – mainly oil and gas companies under the leadership of a “BEITI Champion” appointed by the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State.
Development of a detailed work plan –including cost of proposed activities- which will represent the platform for reform of Bayelsa State finances and expenditure processes
Set up a clear mechanism for civil society engagement in the budget process at the State and local government authority ; including budget monitoring and public awareness toolkit
Develop framework for annual independent financial and process audits of state and local government authorities finances
Establish an expenditure tracking mechanism for key projects in all priority areas of Bayelsa State Sustainable Development Strategy and towards meeting the Millennium Development Goals
Assist in the draft and passage into law of a Bayelsa State Expenditure and Income Transparency Bill
Manage technical and financial assistance from development partners, donor agencies and the Federal Government to implement BEITI.
Desired outcomes
International recognition and local perception of Bayelsa as Nigeria’s most transparent State.
Better public service delivery and access to basic social services
Increased private investment and access to development finance
Empowerment of civil society and communities in budget making processes
Institutionalization of due process and good management of resource revenues
Decrease in vulnerability to conflict and social violence
Contact Us
If you have any ideas or questions, please feel free to contact us using our contact data or the form below.
Bayelsa State Due Process & e-Governance Bureau
DSP Information Technology Centre
Yenagoa
Email [email protected]
Cross Rivers State
Prof Ben Ayade
Executive Governor, Cross River State
Cross River State has a land mass of 23,074km2. The State is covered by a body of waters from the tributaries of the Cross River and the Atlantic Ocean. This renders the land very fertile and provides abundant aquatic resources for exploitation. Two-thirds of Cross River State is covered by tropical rain forests, making it one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. The state is also blessed with mineral resources like: oil and gas; clay; salt; lime stone; kaolin, barite, and quartzite.
The capital of Cross River State is Calabar and the State has 18 local government areas namely; Abi, Akamkpa, Akpabuyo, Bakassi, Bekwara, Biase, Boki, Calabar Municipal, Calabar South, Etung, Ikom, Obanliku, Obubra, Obudu, Odukpani, Ogoja, Yakurr and Yala.
The population of Cross River State is estimated at 2.89 million persons (2006). Forty percent of the estimated population constitutes the active population that is engaged in various economic activities; ranging from subsistence agriculture to urban commerce and transport business.
Agricultural has, since 1970, been acknowledged as the leading economic sector of the state. Agriculture currently employs about 80 percent of the State’s labour force, and contributes about 40 percent to the gross domestic products (GDP) of the State. The State has modern agricultural estates and several smallholder farms located in the various local government areas.
Traditionally one of the most peaceful states in the federation, Cross River State is home to some of Nigeria’s most beautiful scenery. The development of the state’s tourism potential remains at the core of the state government’s strategy for development.
Taking in 32% of the entire State, Cross River boasts the world’s second largest preserved rain forests. The Afi Mountain Nature Reserve is one of the last remaining reserves and tropical rain forests in West Africa and is home to the most successful rehabilitation program for Drill Monkeys in the world today.
In between the southern beaches and northern mountains, visitors can enjoy a range of activities including a most beautiful canopy walkway which is situated close to the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary. This canopy walkway holds the record of being the longest forest canopy walkway in Africa.
The Cross River National Park incorporates a large area of southeast Nigeria’s tropical rain forest between the Cross River State and the Republic of Cameroon border. Cross River National Park is now the only protected forest area in the rainforest region of Nigeria. Animal species to be found in the park are antelopes, chimpanzees, high forest monkeys, buffaloes, monkeys, high forest elephants, manatees and bush pigs. Others are baboons, leopards, and gorillas, some of which are endangered.
Located some 17 km from Ikom, in northern Cross River State, and about 300 km from Calabar, are the Agbokim Falls. The falls are considered a “miracle of nature” and consist of seven different streams, each cascading over steep cliffs, providing seven-faced falls.
Cross River is also home to the largest naturally occurring lake in the South- South region of Nigeria: the Refome Lake. The lake is central to a fishing festival, which takes place between March and May every year.
Facts and Figures
Governor: Senator Liyel Imoke
Type of Government: Federal System of Government
Population: 2.89 million (2006 census)
GSP Growth: 8.06%
Market Access: MoUs with several firms prominent among which are Dangote, Unicem, Addax and several refineries.
Major Cities: Calabar, Ikom, Akamkpa, Ugep, Obudu, Ogoja
Climate and Weather: Tropical but temperate in the north eastern fringes, with dry and wet seasons
Major Languages: Efik, Ejagham, Bekwarra, English
Electricity: Voltage 240 volts at 50 Hertz
Local Time: GMT + 1
Major Investors: TINAPA, UNICEM, Dangote, Addax, Eng Haut, Ecomarine Terminals, Intels, Obudu Ranch Resort Concourse Industries.
Why Cross River?
Cross River’s fast growing economy reflects its strategic location with arable land suitable for a variety of crops, vast deposits of diverse solid minerals, beautiful mountains and forests, and reputation as being a safe place to work and live. Its government has built on these advantages by making it one of the top four states ranked easiest to do business, by creating free trade zones, and by investing in advanced infrastructure, such as a state-wide wireless network, its transportation links (land, sea and air), and its tourism infrastructure. Those living and working in Cross River can easily take advantage of the surrounding natural beauty and benefits of a growing tourism industry.
Strategic Location
Cross River serves as the access point for international trade for the whole of eastern Nigeria (Eastern Corridor), giving it a locational advantage. Cross River also has access to Cameroon via the trans-African highway and to Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and other West African countries via local sea routes. Developing Calabar’s port and the export processing zone enhances Cross River’s strategic location.
Transportation Hub
There is a well-developed seaport in Calabar. With both Lagos and Port-Harcourt ports experiencing logistical difficulties and severe congestion, Calabar port has become and increasingly attractive option. It is easily accessed and can serve as an import and export processing center for the whole of eastern Nigeria. Calabar’s airport is only a 15-20 minute drive from the port.
Free Trade Zone
Investing in Cross River’s Free Trade Zone allows investors to avoid any VAT fees and is strategically located near the free seaport to reduce transportation costs for investors in the zone. The zone stands on an estimated 100 hectares: an additional 60 hectares is being developed next to the existing facility. The zone has capacity for an estimated 100-150 companies and space is currently available. Bao Yao , a Chinese iron and steel producer, is located in the zone.
Benefits of Tourism
Cross River has become Nigeria’s prime tourism destination with its beautiful beaches, historical sites, and stunning flora, waterfalls, and lakes. Growth in tourism has provided the state with a budget to improve services, make infrastructure investments, and has helped grow other sectors of the economy. The natural beauty, nearby tourist attractions, many restaurants and frequent special events makes Cross River State an enjoyable place to live and work.
Fastest Growing State in Nigeria
Cross River State is one of the fastest growing states in Nigeria, partly as a result of the improved investment climate. Starting a business is comparatively easy and many companies are experiencing attractive returns. While growing rapidly, the State has focused on urban planning, which has enabled the capital city and surrounding areas to avoid traffic congestion on the roads.
Business-Friendly Reforms
The state government has undertaken a series of reforms, which allow for same-day incorporation of companies, easier registration with tax authorities, less costly flat rates for building permits, simplified procedure for registering property, and a 75% reduction in time to register land. The Investment Promotion Bureau provides assistance as investors go through these various processes and its One-Stop Investment Center makes the processes easy and efficient.
Safety
In line with its culture and history, Cross River State is one of Nigeria’s most peaceful and safe states. Military and police headquarters are located in the State and coordinate to ensure Cross River remains a safe, secure place with an effective emergency response center. Calabar River and tributaries are also policed. This all contributes toward making Cross River State an enjoyable place to live and work.
Advanced Infrastructure
The State has good systems for telecommunication and water supply, access to the national grid system (electricity) and growing availability of electricity in rural areas as investments in independent power projects come online. Cross River State Government is also pursuing a state-wide electrification project to connect all communities to the national grid. Other state investments include building 425 kilometers of roads in rural areas, expansion and upgrading of the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, construction of the Calabar Monorail (19.8km rail connecting international airport, Calabar and Tinapa resort) and creating a state-wide wireless network. It is efforts such as these that continue to make Cross River State attractive to investors.
Investment Climate
The World Bank’s Subnational Doing Business Report for Nigeria, ranks Cross River as one of the top four cities for ease of doing business in Nigeria. In November 20008, Cross River established a One-stop Investment Center (OSIC), which is part of the Investment Promotion Bureau. The OSIC provides investment information, state data, and advice to potential investors and helps match investor requirements with opportunities available in the state. It also grants business entry approvals, permits and authorization to investors and facilitates post-entry approvals, licenses and sector-specific permits with statutory government agencies with extant regulatory mandates. The OSIC will soon be digitally linked with the Nigerian Investment Promotion Center OSIC in Abuja.
The Nigerian Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) (http://www.cac.gov.ng/) has made starting a business in Nigeria much simpler, especially in comparison to other Sub-Saharan African countries. CAC has simplified the registration process and decentralized its operations to zonal branches for improved accessibility and efficiency. They launched an online system in 2006 allowing companies to search company names and file documents online. Companies can also expedite the incorporation process to just one day at an additional cost of 50,000 Naira.
Investment Opportunities in Cross River State
Cross River State’s investment opportunities are countless. The tourism and hospitality sector provides much scope for private sector participation in the areas of hotel management and tourism site development.
The agricultural sector is also open to investment, especially in the cultivation and processing of cocoa, oil palm, rubber, cassava, and fruits, as well as fish and livestock farming and meats processing.
The state is furthermore endowed with vast solid mineral deposits. Areas open to investment are mining and processing of clay, salt, limestone, sand, kaolin, barite, granite, basalt, quartzite, gold, uranium, iron ore, tin ore, manganese, titanium, coal, mica, zinc, galena, feldspar, graphite, tourmaline, and laterite.
Other investment in Cross River State are in the sector of oil & gas, power and energy, waste conversion and management, information and communication technology, human capital development, paper/newsprint manufacturing, wood processing, spring water bottling, manufacturing and infrastructure.
With a rich historical and cultural heritage, spectacular geography, abundant human and natural resources; Cross River State is the investor’s haven.
Promising Industries
Agriculture-related industries, such as pharmaceuticals, organic farming, and food processing, which take advantage of Cross River’s climate and unique plant species, have great potential, as does aquaculture. Although Cross River State’s industrial output is small, there is great potential in oil and gas, manufacturing, as well as solid minerals and cement. Recent investment-related reforms, which have improved Cross River’s business climate, further strengthens this potential.
Agriculture
Cross River benefits from arable land, plentiful rainfall and abundant land conducive to cultivation. Agricultural produce is the leading non-oil revenue contributor to the State’s economy and employs at least 80 percent of the State’s labor force. Investment in infrastructure and modern inputs — fertilizer, seeds, tools and agro-chemicals — would greatly improve the quality and quantity of agricultural output. Cocoa is Cross River’s major crop. A predicted steady and relatively high international cocoa price and potential to improve productivity makes this an attractive investment prospect. Cross River’s forests are a source of high quality timber, oil palm, rubber and cashews. All are found in commercial quantities.
Food Processing
Cross River’s rich agricultural output is largely exported unprocessed despite the significant increase in value if processed and packaged. The State’s Export Promotion Zones, port, and accessibility to Lagos and Abuja provides easy links to large markets, faster clearance of goods, and an opportunity to develop Calabar into a central location for importing, processing and exporting processed foods.
Tourism
Cross River State is Nigeria’s leading tourist destination even though the industry is still in the early stages of development. The hotels and restaurants sector accounts for 5.9 percent of state GDP and this is expected to continue growing rapidly as improved wealth among upper and middle class Nigerians prompts more Nigerians to take holidays and visit national attractions. The state’s month-long Christmas Festival and Carnival Calabar (http://www.calabarcarnival.org/index.php) in December is successfully attracting large numbers of local and foreign visitors (1.5 million visitors) and private sector investment.
Cross River’s spectacular sites include Obudu Mountain Resort (breathtaking views of the hill tops 5200 feet above sea level), a 4-km cable car ride over the mountains, a canopy walkway through tropical forests, water parks, Agbokim waterfalls and The Old Residency Museum (covering the history of slave trade from Cross River). The Cross River National Park is home to a variety of rare and endangered animal species, including the Cross River Gorilla. A number of tourist sites have been developed, but efforts to develop complementary tourism-related infrastructure and activities and attract international visitors have just begun.
Solid Minerals and Cement
The potential for cement production in Cross River is significant given the large deposits and easy access to high quality limestone and gypsum, growing demand and the high price of cement in Nigeria. The annual demand for cement is estimated at 14 m MT and is likely to increase to 18 m MT in the next few years, with a price of US$300/MT in Cross River compared to US$180-200/MT in neighboring countries. Several new cement factories are investing in pipelines to bring gas for energy to their plants to reduce the costs of energy required for production. Lower energy costs and local availability of limestone and gypsum provide the ingredients necessary for a competitive industry. Recent policy developments have also secured and stabilized mineral title through the different phases of the mining cycle by guaranteeing the convertibility, renewal, long term tenure and transferability of mineral title. On the fiscal front, mining companies and contractors are exempt from capital gains tax, stamp duties, value added tax, customs duties and education tax.
Aquaculture
Demand for aquaculture products has risen with increased urbanization, rising incomes and meat becoming more expensive. The worldwide shortage of white fish has caused prices to rise, making fish farmed in Cross River even more competitive. The rivers, estuaries and flood plains provide extensive vegetation and favorable conditions for shelters and nurseries for aquatic life. There has been increasing interest in developing the aquaculture sector in Cross River but investments thus far have not been of any significant scale. Those that have invested in farming catfish and tilapia have proven successful. Government analysis suggests commercial shrimp farming also has good prospects.
Market Opportunities
Consumer
Strategically located with access to some of the largest Nigerian and West African consumer markets by land, air, and sea. Large demand for entertainment facilities to engage residents and tourists alike, such as cinemas, amusement and theme parks etc.
Building of new hotels, restaurants and homes has created demand for construction companies, furniture and home appliances.
Business Construction services, cement and other construction materials, manufacturing services, and ICT, consultancy and other business services. Infrastructure-related The Cross River State Government is working to provide adequate infrastructure to meet growing consumer and business demands. These include:
Margaret Ekpo International Airport
$150 million project to expand and upgrade Margaret Ekpo International Airport.
Calabar Monorail
$36 million investment on 19.8km rail connecting international airport, Calabar and TINAPA resort.
Calabar Energy City
Website: www.crossriverstate.gov.ng/calabarenergycity.htm
Calabar Energy City is designed to develop an energy sector cluster with residential, commercial and industrial areas.
Phase 1: 220 x 1-hectare industrial plots, loading jetty, river port complex, heliport, medical facility and hotel and business complex.
Phase 2: residential area on 500 hectares.
Calabar Central Market
Central high-street style market for Greater Calabar. Government will provide basic infrastructure (roads, sewage, water supply and treatment, power supply and backup, fire and emergency services and much more).
Power Generation
Ongoing rural electrification project to connect all communities to the national grid. Focus also on renewable energy sources (hydro, wind and solar sources).
State Wireless Network
Wireless network for the entire state (including internet and telephone).
Bio-Fuel Project
Bio-fuel project for the power generation potential of 1,000+ megawatts.
Solid Waste Management Scheme
Integrated solid waste management scheme to recycle waste into useable manure.
Access to Property
The standard requirements for accessing property in Cross River State, as
documented by the World Bank’s Doing Business Report
http://www.doingbusiness.org/Subnational/ExploreTopics/RegisteringProperty/, are:
Conduct search for land at Lands Registry at the Ministry of Lands and Planning.
Submit an application to the Director of Lands
Complete deed of assignment
Turn in deed of assignment to Lands Registry for assessment and valuation of land.
Receive inspection of property and prepare a valuation report.
Pay stamp duty at the designated bank in Port-Harcourt.
Collect demand notice for payment of fees.
Pay assessed fees (stamp duty) at a designated bank.
Submit receipt demonstrating payment of fees at Lands Registry
Submit application for Governor’s consent.
Register Certificate of Occupancy.
Local property lawyers, notaries and property registries can also provide information and answer
questions on procedures related to accessing property.
Details of the process are provided below.
Conduct search for land at Lands Registry at the Ministry of Lands and Planning.
Lawyer representing company (and accredited by the Lands Registry) must present letter stating purpose of search.
Submit an application to the Director of Lands.
Letter stating transaction is about to take place between the assignee and assignor for a plot located in Cross River. The letter must include the names of assignor and assignee, property location, purchase price and a request for an assessment of due fees.
No cost
Time: 1 day.
Complete deed of assignment.
Assignor and assignee must complete and sign 4
copies of the deed of assignment.
No cost.
Time: 1 day
Turn in deed of assignment at the Stamp Duty office, Federal Inland Revenue Service.
Deed is presented by assignee’s lawyer for assessment of property value to determine stamp duties.
No cost.
Time: 1 day
Pay stamp duty at the designated bank in Port-Harcourt.
Payment is by bank draft payable to any of the designated receiving banks.
Cost: 3 percent of property value.
Time: 5 days
Receive stamping of deed.
Pick up demand notices for payment of fees.
Present deed stamping at Stamp Duties Office.
Stamp Duty Office receives confirmation of receipt of payment.
Documents are stamped.
No cost
Time: 1 day
Pick up demand notice for payment of fees.
No cost
Time: 1 day
Pay assessed fee at designated bank.
Cost: N1,000 + 1.5 percent of consideration as consent fee + 10 percent of consideration for capital gains tax (after deductions)
Time: 2-3 days
Submit receipt demonstrating payment of fees at Lands Registry.
No cost
Time: 1 day
Submit application and obtain Governor’s consent for property transfer. Issuance of consent delegated to the Commissioner for Lands. Must include:
Four copies of deed for which consent is sought.
Evidence of payment for consent fee, stamp duty and capital gains tax.
Evidence of payment of land use charge.
No cost
Time: 39 days
Register certificate of occupancy or deed and title conferred.
Assignee’s lawyer must follow up for the certificate of occupancy or deed (filed at the Lands Registry).
Present receipt demonstrating payment to cashier at the Lands Registry. New receipt is issued.
Lands Officer is assigned to record the certificate of occupancy/deed in the Land Registry records.
Cost: NGN1,000
Time: 3 days
Regulators of Industries
To enforce general and industry-specific laws and regulations, several Nigerian and Cross River State Government ministries and agencies serve as regulators. These are listed below:
Department of Petroleum Resources- www.dprnigeria.com
Environmental Impact Regulation
National Association for Food and Drug Administration – www.nafdacnigeria.org
Nigerian Customs – www.customs.gov.ng
Nigerian Export Zones Promotion Authority – www.nepza.com
Nigerian Immigration – www.immigration.gov.ng
Nigerian Ports Authority – www.nigerianports.org
Ports Health Services
Standards Organization of Nigeria – www.sononline-ng.org
Current Investors
Cross River’s State Government has adopted policies and made investments to create a business-friendly environment. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows and domestic investment in Cross River have consequently been steadily high in recent years. The table below provides a sample of current investors.
Case Studies
Addax Petroleum Nigeria (Shoreline Logistics) (http://www.addaxpetroleum.com/)
Addax Petroleum, an international company founded in 1994 by the Addax &Oryx Group, is one of the
largest independent oil producers in West Africa. It has been operational in Cross River State since 1998.
Why They Chose coss River State
Addax saw in Cross River State the potential of underutilized properties and the potential to use its
advance technologies to explore for and produce oil. The access to a well-operating airport and seaport
and the state’s reputation for being peaceful also made Cross River attractive.
Niger Mills of Nigeria (http://www.fmnplc.com)
Niger Mills is a subsidiary of Flour Mills Nigeria Plc and produces a wide range of goods, including flour, pasta, cement, fertilizer, bags and other packaging materials. In Cross River, Niger Mills’ main focus is on producing high quality wheat flour. The company has grown tremendously since production began in
1967.
Why They Chose Cross River State.
The company chose to locate in Cross River State because of the State’s excellent sea port and
advantageous location to other markets. Cross River State is also very safe in comparison with other
Nigerian states.
Other Business Prospects in Cross River State
Investment in independent power supply to support the State’s growing industrial base.
Transportation companies to distribute manufactured products to target markets.
Good agriculture processing firms to take advantage of the State’s large agricultural output.
Bao Yao Huan Jian (Nigeria) Group
Bao Yao Huan Jian Group provides iron and steel to Nigeria’s construction and shipping firms
(currently providing 9 percent of Nigeria’s total iron and steel needs). The company started its operations in 2002 and has branch offices in Lagos and Abuja, as well as in Shanghai.Why They Chose Cross River StateBYHJ chose Cross River State because of its investment incentives that reduce costs and maximize profits. They also appreciate the relative ease of doing business in Cross River State. BYHJ has grown in Cross River State with the opening of subsidiary locations providing ancillary services.Business Prospects in Cross River State Trucking companies transporting produced goods to nearby states and countries.
Contact Us
The One-Stop Investment Center is a resource for potential and current investors. It provides
investment-related information and offers support services, such as applying for licenses, permits, and
approvals for doing business in Cross River. It works closely with the National Investment Promotion
Board in Abuja to successfully coordinate investment services. The Investment Promotion Bureau is
involved in investment generation, business facilitation and enterprise development. For assistance, contact:
One-Stop Investment Center
5th Floor, Okoi Arikpo House
10 Calabar Road
Calabar, Cross River State
Contact: Ignatius Atsu – Director
Telephone: +234-803-384-4232
Email: [email protected]
Investment Promotion Bureau
5th Floor, Okoi Arikpo House
10 Calabar Road
Calabar, Cross River State
Contact: Gerald Ada
Special Advisor on Investment Promotion
Email: [email protected]
Workforce
Cross River’s higher education institutions and more than one thousand vocational training centers have helped develop a productive and skilled workforce. Companies can recruit from the following institutions:
College of Agriculture
College of Education
State University of Science and Technology (CRUTECH)
University of Calabar
Over 1,000 vocational training centres, including those specializing in information technology.
Worker Dismissal
Companies can dismiss employees for serious misconduct and violation of contract. A “trade dispute” (dispute between employers and workers) may also be reason for dismissal. It is illegal for employer to dismiss worker for involvement in labor unions, pregnancy and taking maternity leave. If dismissing an employee, the employer must inform the worker’s trade union representative of the reason for dismissal. Workers can appeal the dismissal by filing a complaint to the National Industrial Court (NIC)
(http://nic.gov.ng/). The NIC has awarded severance pay for some cases where dismissal is deemed unfair.
Investment Incentives
Income tax of 30% in all sectors except petroleum.
Pioneer status: Tax holiday of 5 years in urban areas and 7 years in economically disadvantaged areas
Investment in infrastructure attracts 20% tax holiday on the cost of providing facilities.
Industries with Local value addition enjoys 10% tax concession of up to 5 years.
100% repatriation of profits and dividends for foreign investors.
100% ownership of investments for foreign investors.
Existence of One-Stop Investment Center (OSIC)
Cross River State One Stop Investment Center (OSIC)
Located within the Cross River State Investment Promotion Bureau.
There are five participating government departments at the State level
The Center to be linked with the NIPC OSIC in Abuja
Direct linkage with 14 Federal Agencies through the Abuja OSIC.
Provision of investment information and advice to investors.
Services at the One Stop Investment Centre
Provide general information and data on the State economy to facilitate informed investment decisions.
Prompt granting of business entry approvals and authorization to investors.
Facilitate post –entry approvals, licenses and sector- specific permits with statutory government agencies with extant regulatory mandate.
General facilitation with all government agencies in respect of investment projects on behalf of investors.
General advisory services on unlimited and profitable investment opportunities including matching investors’ requirements with opportunities available in the State.
For more details, visit www.investincrossriver.com
Visiting Cross River State
The One Stop Investment Center can facilitate business-related visits to Cross River State. All foreigners visiting Nigeria must apply for a visitor visa, work or residency permit at the Nigerian Embassy or Consulate closest to country of citizenship. Letters of invitation can be received from the:
One Stop Investment Center
Contact: Ignatius Atsu
Email: [email protected]://www.investincrossriverstate.com/
Telephone: 08033844232
Visas
While visas are valid for 90 days, this can be extended at the nearest immigration office. The following paperwork is necessary for visa applications:
International passport valid for at least 6 months Payment of non-refundable visa application fee
Completed visa application form Letter of invitation from host (with full address) accepting financial responsibility while in Nigeria or proof of sufficient funds
4 passport size photographs (4×4 cm in color)
International certificate of vaccinations (Yellow Health Card)
Work Permit
The following paperwork is necessary if applying for a work permit:
Must fulfil all of the above as well as completed work visa form
4 passport size photographs (4×4 cm in color)
Offer of employment letter and evidence of acceptance
4 copies of approved expatriate quota from the Ministry of Internal Affairs
4 copies of expatriates’ credentials / certificates and resume
Residency Permit
The following paperwork is necessary if applying for a residence permit:
Must have all of the above, as well as apply for a Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) at the Nigerian Immigration Service.
The CERPAC is valid for 2 years and costs $350.
Obtaining Letters of Invitation
Those interested in visiting in Nigeria/Cross River can apply for a letter of invitation from the One Stop Investment Centerby sending an email expressing investment interests to the following address: [email protected].
Flights
There are currently no direct international flights to Calabar’s Margaret Ekpo International Airport, but it receives several flights a day from Lagos and Abuja. There are airport taxis and car rental services available upon arrival, which can be arranged at the airport or in advance via the Tourism Bureau.
Ministries, Departments and Agencies
Education And Social Services
Cross River State University Of Technology
Ministry Of Education
Ministry Of Social Welfare And Community Development
Ministry Of Women Affairs
Ministry Of Youth And Sports Development
Servicom
Special Services Office
Environmental
Calabar Urban Development Authority (CUDA)
Department Of Special Duties
Forestry Commission
Ikom Urban Development Authority
Ministry Of Environment
Obudu Urban Development Authority
Ogoja Urban Development Authority
Ugep urban Development Authority
Health
Ministry Of Health
Roll Back Malaria
State Agency For The Control Of HIV/AIDS (SACA)
Industry And Housing
Cross River State Property And Investment Company
Department Of Mortgage Finance And Estate Development
Investment Promotion Department
Ministry Of Agriculture
Ministry Of Lands And Housing
Infrastructure
Information And Communication Technology Development Department
Ministry Of Works
Motorcycle Regulation Agency
Public Transportation Department
Rural Development Agency (RUDA)
Special Projects Department
State Electrification Agency
Institutional
Civil Service Commission
Conflict Resolution
Department Of Chieftaincy Affairs
Intergovernmental Affairs & Liaison Department
Legal Services Department
Local Government Service Commission
Ministry Of Justice
Ministry Of Local Government Affairs
Office Of The Head Of Service
Political/Legislative Affairs Department
State Borders Communities Development Commission
Performance and Management
Auditor General
Budget Office
Debt Management
Due Process & Price Intelligence
Department International Donor Support
Ministry Of Finance
Office Of The Secretary To The State Government
Projects/Programmes Monitoring & Evaluation Unit
State Planning Commission
Office of the Accountant General
Tourism and Culture
Carnival Commission
Department Of Culture And Heritage
Events Management Department
Ministry Of Information
Tourism Bureau
DELTA STATE
Dr. Arthurn Ifeanyi Okowa
Executive Governor, Delta State
“Welcome to Delta State, a land of peace and promise. Blessed with a rich and diverse cultural herge, Deltans are a people that cherish and promote the values of industry, ingenuity, hospitality and inclusiveness. Imbued with friendly geographical and weather conditions conducive for all, Delta is a land blessed with abundant human and material resources spread across all parts of the state. From oil and gas to mineral resources; from agriculture to aquaculture; from manufacturing to commerce and tourism, Delta State is a land where opportunities for investment are endless. That is indeed the TRUE FACE of Delta. Welcome home. Welcome to Delta State, the Big Heart of Nigeria.”
Delta State is one of thirty-six (36) states that make up the Federal Republic of Nigeria. And like the others, it is administered as a sub-national teritory through a tripod system of government comprising the executive, legislatureand the judiciary.
Delta State is a state in Nigeria, comprising mainly Urhobo,(Urhobo people),Isoko,Igbo (Anioma people),Ijaw and Itsekiri. The whole ethnic-groups that comprise the Delta are administratively grouped into three senatorial districts namely Delta North, Delta South and Delta Central for easy administrative purposes.
Delta is an oil producing state of Nigeria situated in the region known as the Niger Delta, South-South Geo-political zone with a population of 4,098,291 (Males: 2,674,306 Females: 2,024,085 (see Federal Republic of Nigeria, Official gazette, No. 24, vol. 94, 2007.) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the former Federal Minister of Finance and World Bank Managing Director is from this state. The capital city is Asaba located at the northern end of the state with an estimated area of 762 km2,while Warri is economic nerve of the state and also the most populated located in the southern end of the state. The state has a total land area of 16,842 km2.
Geography
The state borders Edo State, Ondo State , Imo State, Rivers State, Anambra State and Bayelsa State. In the south west and south it has approximately 122 kilometres of coastline bounded by the Bight of Benin on the Atlantic ocean.
History
Delta State was carved out of the former Bendel State on August 27th 1991 . The state was created following agitations for the creation of separate distinct states by the Urhobos and Anioma regions. The then Military President, Gen Ibrahim Babangida (Rtd) created the state using the name “Delta” advanced by Niger Delta region as “Asaba” another name advanced by the people of Anioma for the capital of the proposed “Anioma state.” Delta state was once integrated in the Mid Western state from 1963 to 1976 and later Bendel state, from 1976 to 1991. The name “Bendel” (Ben-Del) meant Benin-Delta to reflect the integration of Benin and Delta provinces.
Demographics
Delta State is ethnically diverse with peoples and numerous languages spoken in the state. The Delta North comprises the Asaba (Delta Ibo), Aniocha, Ika, Ukwuani and Ndoisimili regions, the Delta Central and Delta South is made up of Urhobo, Ijaw, Isoko, and Itsekiri. These groups are known to inter-marry. Most inhabitants of the state practice Christianity and very few traditional faiths.
Administration
Delta State is made up of twenty-five Local Government Areas. They are as follows:
Aniocha North
Aniocha South
Bomadi
Burutu
Ethiope East
Ethiope West
Ika North East
Ika South
Isoko North
Isoko South
Ndokwa East
Ndokwa West
Okpe
Oshimili North
Oshimili South
Patani
Sapele
Udu
Ughelli North
ghelli South
Ukwuani
Uvwie
Warri North
Warri South
Warri South West
Natural resources
There are various solid mineral deposits within state – industrial clay, silica, lignite, kaolin, tar sand, decorative rocks, limestone, etc. These are raw materials for industries such as brick making, ceramics, bottle manufacturing, glass manufacturing, chemical/insulators production, chalk manufacturing and sanitary wares, decorative stone cutting and quarrying.
Higher education
Federal University of Petroleum Resource, Effurun
Delta State University (Abraka Campus,Oleh Campus,Asaba Campus)
Ogwashi uku Polytechnic
Otefe oghara Polytechnic
Ozoro Polytechnic
College of Education(Agbor Campus, Warri Campus)
Federal College of Education Technical, Asaba
College of Physical Education, Mosogar
College of Health Technology, Ughelli
Petroleum Training Institution, Effurun
Western Delta University, Oghara
Novena University,Ogume
Sports
Delta State is known to have produced several sportsmen and women of great stature, many of whom have captained the national football teams of the nation at different times notably Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, Sunday Olise, Austin Jay Jay Okocha,Wilson Oruma,Duke udi,Sodje Efetobore,Victor Ikpeba,Jonathan Akpoborire,Nduka Ugbade, Peter Nnalue etc. Team Delta are the current winners of the National Sports Festival tagged “KADA 2009” held in Kaduna State, Nigeria with 108 Gold and a number of Silver and Bronze medals.
Ministries, Parastatals and Government Agencies
1 Ministry of Justice
2 Ministry of Information
3 Ministry of Health
4 Ministry of Water Resources
5 Directorate of Youth Development
6 Ministry of Lands, Urban and regional Planning
7 Ministry of Works
8 Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Social Development
9 Directorate of Science and Technology
10 Directorate of Project Monitoring
11 Directorate of Local Government Chieftancy Affairs
12 Ministry of Housing
13 Ministry of Finance
14 Ministry of Environment
15 Ministry of Energy
16 Ministry of Commerce and Industry
17 Ministry of Education
18 Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources
19 Directorate of Culture and Tourism
20 Office of the Accountant General
21 Office of the Secretary to the Government
22 Office of the Head of Service
23 Office of the Chief of Staff
Edo State
Mr. Adams Oshiomhole
Executive Governor, Edo State
Edo State is an inland state in central southern Nigeria. Its capital is Benin City. It is bounded in the north and east by Kogi State, in the south by Delta State and in the west by Ondo State.
History
Edo State was formed on August 27, 1991 when Bendel State was split into Edo and Delta States.
History of Edo State
The Mid-Western Region was a division of Nigeria from 1963 to 1991, from 1976 being known as the Bendel state. It was formed in June 1963 from Benin and Delta provinces of the Western Region, and its capital was Benin City. It was renamed a province in 1966, and in 1967 when the other provinces were split up into several states, it remained territorially intact, becoming a state.
During the Nigerian Civil War, the Biafran forces invaded the new Mid-Western state, en route to Lagos, in an attempt to force a quick end to the war. While under Biafran occupation, the state was declared as the “Republic of Benin” as Nigerian forces were to retake the region. The republic collapsed a day after the declaration as Nigerian troops overtook Benin City. In 1976 it lost Ughelli to the new Rivers state and was renamed Bendel. Edo State was formed on August 27, 1991 when Bendel State was split into Edo and Delta States.
Geography
The State has a land mass of 19,794 km square. Lying on 05 44 N and 07 34 N latitudes, 05 4 E and 06 45 E longitudes.
Edo State is low lying except towards the north axis where the Northern and Esan plateaus range from 183 metres of the Kukuruku Hills and 672 metres of the Somorika Hills.
Location
It is so located that it forms the nucleus of the Niger Delta region. It is bordered by Kogi state to the North and Delta State to the East and South, Ekiti and Ondo States to the West.
Climate
The climate is typically tropical with two major seasons- the wet (Rainy) and the dry (harmattan) seasons. The wet season lasts from April to November and the Dry Season December to March. Click on red icon to veiw Edo State weather forcast
THE PEOPLE OF EDO STATE
With Benin City as capital, the population of the entire state is approximately 4million. It is made up of three major ethnic groups; namely the Binis, Esan and Afemai. However the State has a high presence of residents from across the country and the world because of its cosmopolitan tendencies. Benin City the capital has a history of being one of the foremost destinations of Europeans during their exploration of Africa continent many centuries ago. Some of the flash points have remained enviable tourists’ attraction for the state.
People and Demography
The main ethnic groups in Edo State are: Edos, Afemais, Esans, Owans and Akoko Edos. Virtually all the groups traced their origin to Benin City hence the dialects of the groups vary with their distance from Benin City. The Bini speaking people who occupy seven out of the 18 Local Government Areas of the state constitute 57.54% while others Esan (17.14%) Afemai compirising of Etsako (12.19%), Owan (7.43%), and Akoko Edo (5.70%). However, the Igbira speaking communities exist in Akoko Edo as well as Urhobos, Izons, Itsekiris communities in Ovia North East and South West Local Government Areas especially in the borderlands. Also, Ika speaking communities exist in Igbanke in Orhionmwon LGA.
A lot of communities and indeed the ruling dynasties in all the clans trace their roots to the ancient kingdom of Benin. Cultural similarities are in the areas of religious worships, folk-lore, dances, festivals, traditional modes of dressing, arts and craft. The political pattern and behaviour are based on a situation where both the monarchial and republican ideas flourished in an integrated manner. The colourful traditional festivals in the state manifest its rich cultural heritage. Critical among these are the Igue and Ekaba festivals done among the Binis and Manhood initaition (age groups) by the Etsako people. With an estimated population of 3,218, 332 made up of 1,640,461 males and 1, 577, 871 females and a growth rate of 2.7% per annum (NPC, 2006), as well as a total landmass of 19,187 square kilometers, the state has a population density of about 168 persons per square kilometers.
Culture In Edo State
The ancient Bini Kingdom dates back to 900 AD. Historical evidence lends credence to the fact that the Oba of Benin used to send his sons to different parts of the then Bini Kingdom as vassals to establish and consolidate his imperial authority in these areas. This explains the cultural similarities of these people with the core Bini ethnic stock.
Music, Songs and Dance:
In the music sector, Edo State is blessed with a large coterie of nationally and internationally renowned performers. Sir Victor Uwaifo leads his pack, a multi media artist who was trained at Yaba College of Technology and the University of Benin. He has performed in major cities in the world. In 1995, Sir Uwaifo was invited for a performance at the United Nations Golden Jubilee celebrations.
Others in this category include Sunny Okosun, Peter King, Felix Duke, Osayomore Joseph and many others who have flown the flag of Edo State creditably. Itinerant traditional performers who are mainly hired for burial, naming ceremonies, age-grade festivals and others abound in Edo State. Chief Omobuare, who died in February 2002 at the age of 92 years, was a leading exponent of the traditional Esan music genre called Asologun. His virtuosity on the wooden piano and his philosophical ditties won him fame in Esan land and beyond.
Collins Elaiho, Segun Alile, the late General Bolivia Osigbemhe, Vincent Ugabi, Sir Waziri Oshomah, Aibor Bello, Omo Smart Idonijie, Constantinopolous Osigemhe, Benji Igbadumhe, Patrick Idahosa, Omoadoni, Adesua, Queen Orete and scores of others have modernized the rich folklore songs of their people into universally-accepted music forms.
The late Chief Isaac Ayeni and Anco Momodu (Anco Limited) are exponents who are largely regarded as the doyens of the traditional music genre in Edo State.
In Edo State, there is no dance or song that has no satirical connotation or bearing. The songs or dances that have evolved in many communities in the state have socio-cultural backgrounds. The same pattern of call and response mode of singing and the deft chorographical dance steps obtain in all the areas of Edo State.
Most traditional songs are accompanied by heavy beats which the dancers step in tune with. Praise-singing is commonplace among musicians in the state.
The involvement of the youths in the performance of these songs and dances ensures continuity in the traditional heritage of the people from one generation to the other.
Festivals and Masquerades:
Edo State has a very rich tradition of festivals and masquerades through which the people either appease the various gods and goddesses initiate men and women into age-grades or as a traditional get-together.
The Igue festival takes pre-eminence among festivals celebrated in Edo State. It is celebrated every December each year by the Oba of Benin to usher in the New Year and as a thanksgiving for the outgoing one. The Igue festival attracts tourists from across Nigeria and abroad. Most of the festivals have a yearly cycle and are open to general viewing and sometimes, participation. Some others like the Obazu festival held among the Aomas of luleha in Owan West Local Government Area is strictly restricted to the men folk.
Other important festivals celebrated in Edo State are Ekaba, Ukpe, Irua, Agiele, Adu-Ikukwua, Ebomisi, Eho, Ipihionua, Ugbele, Itakpo, Ofarhe, Emomorhe, Iko, Uzo, Ugozo/Ihiasa, Uba, Egbere, Owere, Ukpako, Oriminyam, Ohonmoimen, Itikiri, Ivhamen/Ororuen, Amekpe, Oto-Uromi, Ighele and Okpuge-Oro.
The masquerades in Edo State are generally believed to be earthly representatives of some celestial gods, goddesses or ancestors. Masquerades like the Igbabonelimi of Esanland are very popular social entertainers whose secrets and workings are only known to initiates who are sworn to utmost secrecy.
Many masquerades are linked to traditional festivals, while others are only social and have no ritualistic backgrounds.
Cuisine
The traditional cuisine in Edo State is fairly representative of what obtains in most southern states in Nigeria. Pounded yam or eba are eaten with vegetable, melon or okra soups cooked with either bush meat (Antelope, Pig and Grasscutter etc), beef or fish. Yam and rice, which are grown in the state is also eaten with other varieties of soup and meat or fish throughout the state. Garri, which comes in white or yellow variants can be eaten or soaked in water and accompanied with beans, meat, fish, groundnuts etc.
Rice and beans are popular across the state. The people of Edo State also prepare yam or cocoyam porridge in homes and restaurants. Non-indigenous foods like amala, starch, pepper soup, fufu and banga soup, have lately crept into the local cuisine. This is due to the constant social interaction of the people with large migrant community from other parts of Nigeria.
Agriculture
Apart from the wood products, there is high yield of Agricultural food crops, Cocoa, Rubber, Palm trees, Vegetables, Cotton, Pineapple, Mango, Cashew, Cassava, Bush meat, poultry fowls, Snails, Goats, Fish and Rice.
Mineral Resources of Edo State
Government’s Industrial Policy Privatisation Privatisation: Edo State Government retains not more than 20% share holding in any of its commercially oriented enterprises.
Establishing Industrial Estates: Edo State Government allocates plots therein to private investors (both Local and Foreign). Preparing and making available to entrepreneurs feasibility studies and project profiles.
Encouraging in entrepreneurship development and embarking upon skills acquisition programmes for youths. Providing soft loans to unemployed and self-employed university graduates as well as assisting investors in the establishment of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises
Providing loan to industrialists through the loan guarantee scheme.
Investment Opportunities
The current policy of Edo State Government is to create the enabling environment for private entrepreneurship to thrive. This policy is occasioned by the recent political and trade liberalization programmes at the Federal level. Our success in the transition to civil rule offers great hope for private investments, as the State has the capacity to support major manufacturing and service industries such as:
Manufacturing Industries
* Agric and Agro-Allied Industries
* Glass Industries
* Sheet Glass
* Table Glass ware
* Petro-Chemical Industries
* Fertilizer Plant
* Bitumen Processing Plant
* Paints and Pharmaceutical Company
* Manufacturing of Drugs
* Research Plants for Local Herbs
* Rubber Industries
* Motor Tyre Plant
* Crumb Rubber Production
* Plastic Production
Servics Industries
* Waste to Wealth Company
* Collection of refuse
* Establishment of dumping sites
* Establishment of incinerators
* Conversion of waste to gasoline
* Electricity Supply Company
– Power Generation
– Transmission
– Distribution.
* Public Transportation Company
* Hotels and Tourism Development Company
* Major River Tourism Resorts
* Theme Parks and Theatres in the urban centres of Delta State
* Tour operating companies with air, river and road transport services
* Hotels of International standard * Public Housing Projects/Company
* Health Care Facilities and Equipment Company.
* Manufacturing of syringes
* Manufacturing of basic medical equipment
* Educational/Health Institutions
* Communication Company
Major Areas of Investment
Edo State is seeking active partnership with private investors in order to harness her abundant human and material resources in the following areas:
Industry/Raw Material
Palm Oil Processing Oil Palm: Available throughout the State but under-utilized. Processed products in high demand both for domestic consumption and industrial use. Wood Products Timber: (Hard Tropical Wood) Available in most parts of the State. Rubber Products Latex: High demand for this product. Rubber trees thrive in all parts of the state Domestic use of Rubber is low. There is much scope for expansion in this industry and diversification towards finished products. Fruit Juice eg pineapples, citruses, mangoes, cashew, pear, irvingia Assorted Fruits: Grown throughout the state. Production large enough to sustain a major fruit juice Industry
Mineral Industries
Privatisation: Edo State Government retains not more than 20% share holding in any of its commercially oriented enterprises.
Establishing Industrial Estates: Edo State Government allocates plots therein to private investors (both Local and Foreign).
Preparing and making available to enterpreneurs feasibility studies and project profiles.
Encouraging in enterpreneurship development and embarking upon skills acquisition programmes for youths.
Providing soft loans to unemployed and self-employed university graduates as well as assisting investors in the establishment of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises
Providing loan to industrialists through the loan guarantee scheme.
Investment Opportunities
The current policy of Edo State Government is to create the enabling environment for private enterpreneurship to thrive. This policy is occasioned by the recent political and trade liberalisation programmes at the Federal level. Our success in the transition to civil rule offers great hope for private investments, as the State has the capacity to support major manufacturing and service industries such as:
Manufacturing Industries
* Agric and Agro-Allied Industries
* Glass Industries
* Sheet Glass
* Table Glass ware
* Petro-Chemical Industries
* Fertilizer Plant
* Bitumen Processing Plant
* Paints and Pharmaceutical Company
* Manufacturing of Drugs
* Research Plants for Local Herbs
* Rubber Industries
* Motor Tyre Plant
* Crumb Rubber Production
* Plastic Production
Servics Industries
* Waste to Wealth Company
* Collection of refuse
* Establishment of dumping sites
* Establishment of incinerators
* Conversion of waste to gasoline
* Electricity Supply Company
1. Power Generation
2. Transmission
3. Distribution.
* Public Transportation Company
* Hotels and Tourism Development Company
* Major River Tourism Resorts
* Theme Parks and Theatres in the urban centres of Delta State
* Tour operating companies with air, river and road transport services
* Hotels of International standard * Public Housing Projects/Company
* Health Care Facilities and Equipment Company.
* Manufacturing of syringes
* Manufacturing of basic medical equipment
* Educational/Health Institutions
* Communication Company
Major Areas of Investment
Edo State is seeking active partnership with private investors in order to harness her abundant human and material resources in the following areas:
Industry/Raw Material
Palm Oil Processing Oil Palm: Available throughout the State but under-utilized. Processed products in high demand both for domestic consumption and industrial use.
Wood Products Timber: (Hard Tropical Wood) Available in most parts of the State.
Rubber Products Latex: High demand for this product. Rubber trees thrive in all parts of the state Domestic use of Rubber is low. There is much scope for expansion in this industry and diversification towards finished products.
Fruit Juice eg pineapples, citruses, mangoes, cashew, pear, irvingia Assorted Fruits: Grown throughout the state. Production large enough to sustain a major friut juice Industry
Tourism In Edo State
Ogba Zoological Garden
The zoological gardens was established in 1915 and it was the first to have a legal statute backing in Nigeria.The garden is located in a forest reserve area near Ogba village about six kilometers from Benin City and covers a land area of about 20 hectares, which exhibits trees for their scientific and educational interestand value. Ogba zoological gardens has an appreciable stock of local and foreign species of wildlife .Over the years the gardens has served as a functional recreational park with very strong educational impact
Somorika Hills-
This is located in Akoko Edo Local Government Area. Somorika hills consist of an extended expanse of hills crowned by massive boulders perched precariously on the summits of hills and alongside seemingly inadequate locations on the sides. Somorika is about five kilometres north east of lgarra and 165 kilometres from Benin city. The hills are a part of the rolling landscape of the Kukuruku range. The beauty of the scenery is the huge, hanging rocks that rest on one another
Arts and Craft
From the earliest times of civilization, specialized professional guilds or societies were set up to promote the highest ideals in the various arts. These guilds were accorded royal patronage. To this day, some of these guilds, like those of wood carvers and bronze casters, are still operating at Igbesanmwan and Igun streets in Benin City.
Art, as a form of communication, has been greatly explored, especially for recording memorable events in the life of the various communities. Effigies of Obas, heroes and heroines were molded for posterity. Different media such as bronze, brass, mud (terracotta), ebony wood and ivory feature in these works of art. In the 13th century, Igueha introduced brass casting into Benin City. The indigenous artists in Benin have since evolved a peculiar house style in brass casting and created the largest brass industry in the African continent.
The Benin bronze works are the most favored and renowned art works of Edo State. Many of these artworks were looted by the British forces during the invasion of Benin Kingdom in 1897.
In recent years, the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba Erediauwa has spear-headed renewed efforts to repatriate these valuable art pieces from Europe. The Idia ivory mask, which was the official symbol of the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC), is still lying captive in a British museum.
Edo State has produced some of the best crop of outstanding contemporary artists in Nigeria. Some of these renowned artists are Sir Victor Uwaifo (who is a multi media artist), Festus Idehen, Dr. Colette Omogbai-Onyeka, Tayo Aiyegbusi, Osagie Erese, Klem Emoda, Roseline Thomas-Osakwue, Cliff Oguigo, High Priest Osemwingie Ebohon, late Felix Idubor and late Professor Solomon Irein-Wangboje, who in their life times and even now, stand proud as some of the world’s best.
Formal art education is taught at the school of Art and Design, Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi and the Department of Fine and Applied Arts of the University of Benin.
Art galleries are mainly located in the state capital, Benin City, especially on the Airport and Mission Roads axis. The bigger and popular ones like Idubor Art Gallery on Sakponba Road, Victor Uwaifo Gallery along Ekenwan Road, Wangboje Creative Arts Centre on Owoseni Street and Ebohon Cultural Centre off Dumez Road all in Benin City attract tourists and art buffs all year round. Other arts and craft shops are found in the major towns of Edo State.
In the literary arts, the banner of Edo State has continued to be hoisted on the national and international fora. Dr. Festus Iyayi won the Commonwealth Prose Prize in 1989, while Funsho Aiyegina won the Poetry Prize of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) with his poetry collection “A Letter to Lydia and other Poems”.
Frank Aig-Imoukhuede, a former Federal Director of Culture, is the pathfinder in the virgin area of Pidgin English poetry. Odia Ofeimun, a past President of ANA, Harry Garuba, Mabel Segun and Helen Ovbiagele are authors of note in the poetry and prose genres.
In the performing arts, drama groups are mostly located in Benin City with the Edo Cultural Group, Uyi Edo Theatre Group, Earth Pot Cultural Group, Ova Theatre Group, Inneh Troupe, and Ebohon Cultural Troupe featuring prominently.
The State Arts Council has performing troupes that have represented the state at many national and international events. The Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre, Benin City is the hub of cultural activities in the state, a fine architectural masterpiece with beautiful murals of Edo traditional motifs. The Centre is complemented by Urhokpota Hall which is close by on Ring Road. These two theatres have hosted performances, symposia and exhibitions.
Pottery, basket making, cane furniture, cloth-weaving, mat-making and gold-smiting trades thrive in Edo State with quality and standards comparing favorably with others anywhere in the world.
A craft shop, with wares such as carving, hand-woven clothes, ebony rings, bowls, ash-trays, flower pots and bronze objects, were opened by the state government in July 1968 in Benin City.
The art of basket-making is popular among the Esan ethnic stock. The ready availability of palm fronds has engendered the prevalence of practitioners in this trade in the five local government areas that are Esan-speaking. Their products, which are veritable works of art, include shopping baskets, waste paper baskets and farmer’s wicker baskets.
The Uneme-Nekhua and the South Uneme people in Akoko-Edo and Etsako West Local Government Areas are renowned for their dexterity and skills in traditional black smithing and ceremonial swords. Gold and silver smiths are found in all the major towns in the state. They specialize in the fabrication of ornamental adornments like trinkets, bracelets, bangles, chains and earrings favored by fashion-conscious men and women.
Somorika, Auchi, Igarra and Ubiaja take pre-eminence as major areas of traditional cloth-weaving. The colorful, artistic motifs of the Igarra people have won national and international acclaim.
Molded statues, statuettes and figurines of Olokun the goddess of the sea, is a major feature of the traditional worship in the core Bini council areas of Oredo, Orhionmwon, Uhunmwode, Egor, Ikpoba Okha, Ovia North East and Ovia South west.
Pottery making is largely done by the womenfolk who specialize in the production of the earthenware like cooking pots, bowls, mugs, water pots, pipes etc.
Ojah in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area is known nationally for its fine pottery. Other trailblazers in the art of traditional pottery are the people of Udo in Esan South East Local Government Area, Uhonmora in Owan West Local Government Area, Okpekpe and Imiegba in Etsako East Local Government Area.
Departments In The Ministry
Department of Administration and Supply
The Department of Administration and Supply, whose function cuts across the entire Ministry is in charge of Personnel matters as it relates to all staff comprising forty-four (44) in number, spread over the different departments and the four Zonal Offices of Oredo, Egor, Uromi and Auchi. Issues of the posting, redeployment, promotion, discipline and welfare are handled by the department. In the same vein, the maintenance of the Ministry as it relates to repairs, purchases, vehicle maintenance, furnishings, supplies, project implementations are all handled by the Department of Administration and Supply. Thus, the Department of Administration and Supply is the Utility Room of the Ministry.
Inspectorate and Monitoring Department
The Inspectorate and Monitoring Department of the Ministry is the supervisory Arm of the Ministry as it relates to the eighteen (18) Local Government Councils of Edo State. This department ensures that Government policies, programmes, guidelines are strictly adhered to by the eighteen Local Government Councils in their day-to-day operations. The department also routinely processes to the Executive Governor requests from the Councils for approval to execute programmes/projects above N10, 000,000.00 in their Local Government Areas.
Finance and Accounts Department
The Department of Finance and Accounts is in charge of all accounts of the Ministry , viz Recurrent Expenditure; Personnel Cost, Overhead Cost, Capital Expenditure; releases, transfers, payments. It also processes the appropriation/sharing of monthly statutory revenue allocation from the Federation Allocation Account Committee (FAAC) to the eighteen Local Government Councils with due cognizance given to such areas of interest as Primary Schools, Teachers’ salary, Pension Fund for both retired teachers and Local Government staff, Training Fund for Local Government staff, Traditional Councils and PAYE of Local Government Staff.
Local Government Affairs Department
This department attends to the affairs of the communities in the state to douse tensions and bring peace and harmony among the communities and with the Government. The department in essence, promptly and timely swings into action in the event of any interruption of public peace to avert any break down of law and order in the eighteen Local Government Councils of the state. Some of the communal disputes the department successfully resolved recently include the Akuku Enwan and Igarra Communal land crises in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, Ahor clashes etc.
Chieftaincy Matters
This department takes charge of all chieftaincy related matters in Edo State. It facilitates approvals by the State Executive Council of the appointments of Traditional Rulers in the different Local Government Areas of the state. It has a register for all traditional and honorary chiefs in various clans, and issues Certificate of Registration as the need arises. In essence, the department is responsible for all chieftaincy matters affecting Traditional Rulers/Clan Heads throughout the state. The department also convenes and services periodical meetings of Traditional Rulers with the Governor as directed.
Commerce and Industry
VISION
The vision of the Ministry is to foster prosperity by the creation of self sustaining economic which ensure wealth creation, poverty alleviation and job creation in the State.
MISSION
The Mission statement of the Ministry is to continuously provide policy impetus for sustainable economy through Commerce, Cooperative and Industrial activities for the people of Edo State.
Functions of the Ministry
To advise Government on policies designed to boost trading activities and the industrial development of the State;
To promote and provide facilities for bulk purchase and distribution of essential commodities;
To promote and establish cooperative societies as a means of mobilising resources at the grass root level and developing team spirit for the economic advancement of all parts of State;
To give loans and technical advisory services to small-scale industries benefitting from the State’s Small-Scale industrial loan scheme;
To promote trade fairs and stage trade exhibitions;
To gather, collate and analyse data that can facilitate further development in the State in the area of commerce and cooperative services;
To provide a conducive environment for mineral exploration and exploitation in the State;
To establish gemstone buying centre and ensure sanity in the conduct of business transaction at the centre;
To manage Government investment quoted companies; and
To supervise and monitor mining activities and set standard operating procedures for the investors.
Market
Major Markets and their location in the State
A. Edo South
(i) New Benin Market, Along New Lagos Road, Benin
(ii) Oregbeni Market, Ikpoba Hill
(iii) Uselu market,, Uselu-Lagos Road, Benin City.
(iv) Oba Market, by Ring Road.
(v) Agbado Market, Akpakpava Road
(vi) Okiha Market, Siluko Road
(vii) Ekiosa Market, M.M. Way
(viii) Santana Market, Sapele Road
(ix) New Market, Upper Mission Extension
(x) Aduwawa Market, Benin-Auchi Road
(xi) New market, along East Circular Road
(xii) Ehor Market, Ehor Town
(xiii) Usen Market, Usen
(xiv) Ekiadolor Market, Ekiadolor
(xv) Ugbogiobo Market, Ugbogiobo
(xvi) Iguobazuwa Market, Iguobazuwa town
(xvii) Ehor Market, Ehor town
Major Markets in Edo Central Senatorial District are:
B Edo South:
(i) Eguare Main Market, Eguare-Ekpoma
(ii) Ewu Market, Ewu
(iii) Irrua Market, Irrua
(iv) Ubiaja Main Market, Ubiaja
(v) Ewohimi Market, Ewohimi
(vi) Igueben Market, Igueben
(vii) Imekpen Market, Iruekpen
(viii) Ugboha market, Ugboha
(ix) Uromi Main Market, Ubiaja Road, uromi,
(x) Ekioybie Market, Uromi
(xi) Ebelle Market, Ebelle
(xii) Ugbegun Market, Ubegun
C. Major Markets in Edo North are:
(i) Udi Market, Igbe Road, Auchi.
(ii) Uzairue Market, Jattu-Uzairue
(iii) Anegbette Market, Anegbette.
(iv) Ikpeshi Market, Ikpeshi
(v) Agbede Market, Agbede
(vi) Igarra-Central Market, Igarra Central
(vii) Otuo-Ohanmi Market, Ohanmi
(viii) Agenebode Market, Agenebode
(ix) Sabongida Market, Sabongida-Ora
(x) Ibillo Market, Ibillo
(xi) Ojiranmi Market, Ojirami
(xii) Okugbe Market, Okpella
(xiii) Eperi Market, Ekperi
(xiv) Weppa Market, Weppa Wanno.
(xv) Ososo Market, Ososo.
Major Industries In the State
1. Guinness Nigeria Plc
2. Nigeria Bottling Company Plc
3. Pfizier Livestock Feeds Ltd.- Sapele Road, Benin City.
4. Presco Industries Ltd.-
5. Edo Pharmaceutical Ltd,
6. Bendel Feed and Flour Mill Ltd, – Benin-Auchi Road, Ewu.
7. Juno Foods Ltd
8. 7up Bottling Coy Ltd,
9. National Institute for Oil Palm Research,
10. Philora Plastic Ltd, Ikpoba Hill Benin City.
11. Bendel Brewery Ltd.,
12. Freedom Development Coy Ltd.,
13. Goopex Solid Mineral Processing Coy Ltd.
14. Okomu Oil Palm G.
15. Odin Biscuit Manufacturing Coy Ltd.
16. Bob Oshodin Organization Ltd
17. Resin Plastic Industries Ltd.
18. Cowrie Paints,
19. Integrated Rubber Product
20 Happiness Foam
21. Aridi Industries Nig. Ltd.,
22. Boltic Engineering Group Ltd
23. Austin Laz Nig. Ltd
Rivers State
Hon. Nyesom Wike
Executive Governor Rivers State
HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT:
Rivers State was created May 27, 1967 by a Military Decree and by 1996; Bayelsa State was carved out of it. However, agitation for the creation of Rivers State predated Nigeria’s Independence from Britain in 1960. During the Colonial period, Britain signed many treaties of protection with the Chiefs of many coastal communities.
Some of these Chiefs had hoped that with Nigeria’s Independence, the treaties of protection they signed with Britain would also lapse and thus, they would become Independent States. The 1958 Constitutional Conference which affirmed Nigerian nationhood dashed such hope, but agreed on some measures to allay the fears of the ethnic minorities in this area.
Between 1941 and 1952, an organization known as the ljaw Rivers People’s League had agitated for the creation of a distinct Rivers Province. In 1953, another body called the Council of Rivers Chiefs replaced the League and became the Rivers Chiefs and Peoples’ Congress in 1954, and the Rivers Chiefs Peoples Conference in 1956. The leaders of this organization cooperated with the Calabar Ogoja Rivers (COR) State Movement formed in Uyo December 1953, but later broke away to press their own case before the Willink Commission.
To allay the fears of the minorities under the dominant ethnic groups within the Nigerian nationhood, the British made one important concession by setting up a Commission headed by Sir Henry Willink to look into the misgivings of the ethnic minorities. The Willink Commission recommended the establishment of the Niger Delta Development Board (NDDB) to address the problem of unde rdevelopment of the area.
To allay the fears of the minorities under the dominant ethnic groups within the Nigerian nationhood, the British made one important concession by setting up a Commission headed by Sir Henry Willink to look into the misgivings of the ethnic minorities. The Willink Commission recommended the establishment of the Niger Delta Development Board (NDDB) to address the problem of underdevelopment of the area.
NDDB did not meet the aspirations of the people and thus, some people attempted to take the extralegal route to achieve their goal. In February 1966, Isaac Boro, Sam Owonaro and Nottingham Dick with their supporters proclaimed a “Delta Peoples Republic.” Federal and Eastern Nigeria Governments brought this rebellion to an abrupt end. On May 27, 1967, Rivers State was among the twelve States created by the Gowon Regime. (Salawu, 1993).
The cries of political marginalisation, environmental degradation and economic pauperisation continued among the ljaws, such that the Old ljaw province was carved out of Rivers State as a distinct Bayelsa State in 1996 by the Abacha led military government of Nigeria.
Administrative Areas
As at 1967 when Rivers State was created, there were fifteen Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the State and when Bayelsa State was carved out in 1996, additional LGAs were created such that the present Rivers State is made up of twenty-three LGAs. The State has many communities that organise community development efforts aimed at mobilising the local resources and assisting the State government in the maintenance of law and order.
Administrative Structure
There are three arms of government in Rivers State and these are: The Executive Council; The Legislature; and The Judiciary. The State Executive Council is made up of the Governor, the Deputy Governor, and around 20 commissioners, special advisers and the Secretary to the State government. The commissioners are the overall heads of the ministries, while the permanent secretaries oversee the daily activities of the same ministries.
The parastatals are organs of the government charged for the establishment and running of certain key economic areas of the State government. They are placed either under the supervision of the Governor or the Deputy Governor. The special advisers are assigned responsibilities in the following areas to enhance productivity and accountability: education, information, hotels and tourism etc.
The Rivers State House of Assembly is the legislative (lawmaking) arm of the government. The thirty three members of House of Assembly were inaugurated in June 1999, with the Speaker of the House as chairman in all the proceedings. The judiciary is the body that interprets the law in the State. It is headed by the State Chief Justice. The second tier of government is the local government administration. This is the grassroots government that is closest to the people of the State. There are twenty-three local government councils and each is run by its executive council and legislature.
Ethnic Composition, Languages, Culture And The Arts
The ethnic composition of Rivers State is very diverse. These include Kalabari, lkwerre, Okrika, lbani (Bonny and Opobo) Ekpeye, Ogba, Etche, Khana, Gokana, Eleme, Ndoni, Abua, Odual. Linguistic scholars have grouped these communities into six major linguistic groups, namely ljoid, lower Niger (lgboid), Ogoni, Central Delta, Delta Edoid, and Lower Cross. The ljoid group comprises four groups of dialects namely (Kalahari, Bile, Okrika, lbani and Nkoro).
The Lower Niger (lgboid) comprises dialects such as Ekpeye, lkwerre, Ogba, Egbema, Ndoni, Etche, and lgbo. The Ogoni group includes a large number of dialects, which can be grouped into four Khana, Gokana, Eleme and Tai. The Lower Cross group has only one member in Rivers State, with the rest being in Akwa lbom and Cross River States. The language, Obolo, in this group, is spoken in Andoni and Opobo Local Government Areas (Salawu, 1993).
Rivers State, with its diverse ethnic and linguistic groups, is very rich in culture and the arts. Several cultural bonds exist, particularly in music, dances, plays and masquerades. Literature in Rivers State consists of the oral tradition of folk tales, legends, myths, proverbs, riddles and poetry in religious incantations, and so on. More modem literature includes the novels and peotry of writers like Elechi Amadi, Gabriel Okara and the late Ken Saro Wiwa. Production of traditional fired clay and bronze are also common.
Population Size and Distribution
The population of Rivers State is 5,187,864 (NDDC, 2005) with 51.9 per cent of the population being males and or 48.1 per cent being females. Rivers State thus account for 3.58 percent of Nigeria’s population. The population of Rivers State is unevenly distributed among Local Government Areas (LGAs), towns and villages, such that ecological and physical conditions underscore the observed population distribution pattern.
Population density in the State is roughly 284 person’s sq. km and against the national average of ninety-six persons per sq. km., the state’s population density is very high.
The fact is that because of physical conditions of the state, the limited land area for agricultural practices and constant floods, Rivers State’s population is concentrated in a few towns and the state headquarters (Port Harcourt). The low density of population in the central and western parts (riverine area) is due to the limited dry and safe land area for settlement and agricultural practices. Over fifty six percent of the State’s population is concentrated in eight LGAs and out of which five of them are in the upland region of the State.
Rural/Urban Settlement
The degree of urbanization in the State is very low and only nineteen out of 1,079 settlements in the State have population above 20,000. Generally, urbanization index is very low (0.24) while the main towns are Port Harcourt, Abonnema, Omoku, Okrika, Oyigbo, Elele, Bonny and Opobo.
According to the 1991 population census, the population of these towns constituted 28 per cent of the State population, and therefore the low urbanisation index of 0.24. With respect to urban-rural gender composition, Salawu showed that urban population had more males than females while rural population had more females than males. This is a possible reflection of the rural/urban migration, which is male dominated.
The primacy of Port Harcourt is not in doubt, as that city alone accounts for 14 per cent of the State population and 39 and 21 percent of state owned secondary schools and hospitals, respectively. It has the largest number of private secondary schools and hospitals and controls over 86 per cent of all manufacturing activities in the State. By 1991, the total population of Port Harcourt was 440,399 followed by Buguma (82,865) and Okrika (81,558).
Thus, Port Harcourt’s population is five times larger than that of Buguma or Okrika (Nigeria, 1991). The creation of more LGAs, the number of which now stands at twenty three, economic development via industrialization, the neglect of the rural sector and sustained rural/urban migration have all accelerated urban growth and development in Rivers State. The number of urban centers with population of 20,000 and above increased from one in 1963 to nineteen in 1991.
PHCCIMA & The Niger Delta
Port Harcourt Chamber Of Commerce, Industry, Mines & Agriculture – PHCCIMA can not be overlooked as the struggles and challenges of Port Harcourt city and indeed the region in which it has found itself; a very peculiar position eventhough she is endowed with abundant physical and human resources.
The Niger Delta Region is rich in human and natural resources, arts and culture with great potentials for tourism, the socioeconomic realities is a paradox of poverty amidst plenty. It suffers an array of challenges including widespread poverty with over 70% of her population on or below the poverty line, ravaged by high disease burden, mortality rate amongst children, poor sanitation, improper waste disposal infrastructure and system, inadequate and poor quality of education and health facilities, low levels of sound business enterprise and of industrial development outside of the oil and gas industry, lack of good transportation infrastructure, portable water supply, poor or non-existent electricity supply system and poor telecommunications a condition that cripples manufacturing and where sustained increases the cost of products manufactured making these products not competitive with other market values.
It is on the premise of this that PHCCIMA decided to tackle the economic and social challenges of this region with a bid to proffering solutions and highlighting investment opportunities to the larger business community drawn form in and around the country. This affords the business community the opportunity to highlight their fears, challenges and preferred actions that will ensue enduring sustainable economic development to be sent to all stakeholders and openly published once a consensus has be reached and a communiqué developed to highlight the peculiar needs of the Region. The aim will be to open areas of development of economic that had been hitherto neglected, a diversification of our economic potentials in every economic sector accrue to this region.
Presented below is a fallout from the regional Oil and Gas Conference organized by us to tackle the challenges presented within that industry.
COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED BY PORT HARCOURT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE INDUSTRY, MINES AND AGRICULTURE (PHCCIMA) AFTER THE OIL AND GAS CONFERENCE/EXHIBITION, JULY 10-11 2008 IN PORT HARCOURT.
The Conference appreciates the establishment of the Local Content policy in the oil and gas industry by the Federal Government, and call for full implementation of the policy.
The Conference also appreciates the Federal government proposal to hold the Niger Delta Summit. It’s the position of the conference, however that the summit be headed by someone from the region. It should be someone familiar with the problems, and in a position to appreciate the issues involved.
The Conference calls for the reassessment and reorganization of the oil and gas host environment by a proper remedial measure to guarantee adequate compensation for stakeholders.
The Conference also calls for a sustainable human capital development program for the youths of the Niger Delta region that would enhance empowerment and employment opportunities.
Additionally, when facilities are provided for stakeholders and host communities there must be a long term plan for the maintenance of such facility by deliberately encouraging local entrepreneurs and business owners to engage in such contracts regardless of the size and price to ensure consistent local content growth.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) must conform with international Best Practice, as well as swift response to oil spillage.
Furthermore, the conference calls for greater federal and state government support for the proposed Eco-Oil and Gas Industrial Park in Port Harcourt and Port Harcourt International Trade Fair Complex.
Port Harcourt is internationally recognized as the Oil and Gas capital of Nigeria, hence the recent admission of member of the elite World Energy City Partnership (WECP). The conference therefore demands that the Federal Government of Nigeria appreciates this International recognition and subsequently move all Oil and Gas Conferences, Workshops, Fairs, Symposium, Seminars and Summits to Port Harcourt in line with international best practice.
The Conference condemns in strong terms all acts of militancy and criminality in the Niger Delta Region and call on all people currently engaged in such activities to give peace a chance for sustainable development of the region.
The Federal government should create greater opportunity for the participation of the Niger Delta youths in the Oil and Gas sector in Nigeria.
The Conference calls on all Nigerians for better understanding and appreciation of the Niger Delta situation especially as it borders on the life of people. This is important for both the peaceful resolution of the Niger Delta question and the survival of the Nigerian nation state.
Finally, the conference calls for government support for the Peace and Security Alternative in the Niger Delta (PaSAND) initiative of PHCCIMA. PaSAND is aimed at taking idle youths off the streets for training and empowerment programmes.
PHCCIMA: who are we?
Port Harcourt Chamber Of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture Since 1957
PHCCIMA was established in 1957 as an “interest group” with the objective of articulating business interest in the Niger Delta Region and its environs in their transitional period to the post colonial Nigeria and thereafter. She is the second largest and active Chamber in Nigeria. Presently, PHCCIMA is a grown body and still growing body whose broad based mission and vision is building and protecting businesses while developing people through sharing of relevant knowledge and information to her esteemed membership; but her vision, mission, objectives, plans and strategies are contained more elaborately in this compendium. We will continue to work and act on behalf of businesses in our city, region and country – Nigeria to foster economic development and interact with the legislative and executive arms of this Federation at all levels to ensue a good and an enabling economic environment for businesses to foster and prosper. We, therefore, enjoin your organisation to join the move for a more vibrant Organised Private Sector as we embrace the new millennium, its diversity and dynamism in businesses types, methods of transaction and globalisation. We are driven by the conviction that entrepreneurship and the OPS is the lifeblood of our economy, and of any economy; an economy that will increasingly depend on the skilled knowledge of people in their specialised fields of endeavours.
As we have entered into a new millennium of business activities; PHCCIMA is expected to take the initiative to create the best possible business environment for small businesses and entrepreneurs to look for ways to improve on their relationships between communities, public private partnership programmes, thereby forging closer cooperation with strategic partners (donour agencies, financial institutions, world trade alliances, policy agencies, e.t.c.) who are supportive of SMEs and SME development within and around the globe and in general all forms of legitimate private businesses. Due to the dynamic and consistent breakthroughs in information, communication and technology (ICT) environment, especially, in the area of energy production through natural sources other than fossil fuel but also through the Waste-To-Energy (WTE) projects, pollution control, conservatory measures, technology, transportation, agriculture, general commerce and industry; as well as enhanced management methods and techniques, the business community in Nigeria must compete favourable with international market as the idea of globalisation catches on like wild fire.
We must pivot ourselves into the global economies through innovations, intellectual property and bridge the gap between the developed and the developing economies as in Sub-Saharan Africa, a continent filled with so much wealth yet plagued by untold poverty. Our goal is to reduce that status and reality to the smallest possible through exposing our businesses to the global market through this Organised Private Organisation called PHCCIMA.
Our Mission
We exits to project and sustain an organization that will remain proactively sensitive to Environmental inputs into the Business community and provide timely information that will ensure a favourable focus on interaction among stake holders of the organised private sector, to the benefit of all; nationally and internationally.
Our Objective
To act as the mouthpiece of the organised private sector. Be a watch dog of government Economic policy and environmental dynamics Create a focal point for the exchange of business ideas. Identify, analyze and disseminate the right business information, at the right place and at the right time, having our members’ interest paramount. Delve into and discuss on behalf of our members matters that may affect the smooth functioning of the business community. Propagate Policies that affects the entire economy, as it will benefit the generality of the welfare of our people and the nation at large. Initiate changes where necessary in the Environmental Management and Business Development Services that will enhance Business practices and create investment opportunities.
Our Plan
Amongst our numerous plan for the business community includes; Creating new business opportunities for our teaming members through lined up trade missions to various parts of the world. Hosting regular high-tech Trade Fairs. Mobilising the needed resources for the building of a standard International Trade Fair Complex for the south-south zone in Port Harcourt. Also, mobilising needed resources for the building of an International Standard Environment Centre in Port Harcourt. Developing a comprehensive directory of credible companies to participate in the exchange Programme and business relationship started years ago between Nigerian cities, the USA, UK and Asian countries.
Mobilising members for investment in the rural areas especially for agriculture small sale processing, preservative and storage business. Providing a well-computerized library network that will always meet the information needs of the business community. Assisting to harmonise the relationship existing between oil firms and oil-bearing communities.
This will involve:
I. Participation in oil spill clean ups / pollution claims administration and control.
ii. Registration, proper monitoring and control of claims by Agent/ Consultants.
Monitoring and controlling of obnoxious taxes, arbitrary increase in tenement rates charged by local government to ensure uniformity and fairness.
Presently due to the outcry by business organizations against irregular and exorbitant taxation and levies by various governments; it has been decided that for proper classification and correct taxation, PHCCIMA liaise with relevant bodies, classify and send to the government the correct classes of the various businesses in Rivers State. The Chamber is presently gathering information to that effect. Making moves and ensuring the reactivation of the school to land Programme.
Our Strategy
In order to achieve our corporate mission, our strategy includes; Total quality orientation in all ramifications. That is, Teamwork and total commitment of all Executives, council members and members of staff. Continuous monitoring of all activities that may directly or indirectly affect the business community. Continuous improvement and timely change when the need arises.
Lobby-Legislative and executive arms of government to achieve conducive business environment.
Projects And Proghrammes In This Administratyion So Far.
Established a good working relationship with the French embassy and their economic and business department in Nigeria by becoming the clearinghouse for all business transactions made in the city of Port Harcourt.
Organised the Second International Port Harcourt Trade Fair at Isaac Boro Park that attracted over two hundred participants with a high level of participation of foreign multinational companies like Dunlop, Dana Motors, CELTEL, CFAO, M.SALEH & CO., TATNET-GEODATA, e.t.c.
Restructured the PHCCIMA Secretariat, giving it a modernized and corporate look it enjoys today fitted with information, Communication & Technological capabilities all fully automated internet connected working environment.
Being appointed as the voice for the Sub-Sahara Africa on Business Development issues, especially to come up with the challenges in business and what is hindering investments within the region. Also, come up with an analysis of the challenges and solutions for better improving the business environment of Sub-Sahara Africa by the Commonwealth Business Forum.
Conducted the Rivers State Economic Hotseat that involved the presentation of all the available twenty political parties in the State to present their economic blue print to the business community of the state. And a reciprocal gesture from the Port Harcourt Chamber of commerce, Industry, Mines & Agriculture presenting them each an Economic Blue print with their expectations, challenges and solutions for the Rivers State Economy.
Registered the Chamber at the International level with a number of embassies and other city chambers around the world. The Chamber belongs to the International Chamber of Commerce, World Chamber Federation.
The Chamber has a good working relationship with UNITAR, UNIDO and Commonwealth Business Council and a host of others through the direct efforts of the Chairman of Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Trade Group.
PHCCIMA, the voice of the Organised Private Sector (OPS) of the economy immensely contributed to the development of the Niger Delta Development Commission Master Plan through the PHCCIMA Economic Team setup for that purpose.
He lead a PHCCIMA Economic Team to establish a working relationship with Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC and its Managing Director to bridge the gap between policy formation and implementation of these policies and programmes. Be the vehicle that institutes and implements projects formulated to bring about sustainable development in all of NDDC’s projects.
Developed several working relationships financial and media institutions who invariably becoming our working partners Skye Bank, BusinessDay, Radio Nigeria – Treasure FM 98.5, NTA, Port Harcourt, Business Eye, Financial Standard.
Organised a successful induction and inauguration ceremony for the New Members and the entire Executive members.
He lead a team of both Public and Private sector the economy of Rivers State constituting of Businessmen and Government officials to the Offshore Europe(September 2007).
Organised a Trade Mission to China on Hotel and Tourism and sent the Chairman, Hotels and Tourism.
Conferences attended so far; British-West African Forum for Trade and Business Partnership, 5TH World Chambers Congress, Istanbul, Turkey Organised by International Chamber of Commerce WCF; University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg; Mandela Institute Colloquium, Speaker, Offshore Europe, Aberdeen.
Niger Delta Oil and Gas Conference and Seminar, 2008 held at Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt.
PHCCIMA: THE STRUCTURE
The Chambers is organized into three levels of leadership, which constitute the different parts of her activities under different categorisations.
Leadership
Executive Council
Directors
Chairmen
Activities
Directorates
Trade Groups
We believe that individual small enterprises are the backbone of our economy, the driving force for innovation, intellectual property, employment and creation of wealth for all and increase of the GDP of this great nation.
In conclusion, we believe that once entrepreneurship is encouraged and allowed to ensue, then it will enable a vigorous, healthy, sustained growth that reduces poverty, inequality, injustices and enable us as a nation to share a common goal, destiny where the core of our existence is the human being and his/her family, in other to present a proud wholesome nation to the world. The true pride of a Blackman and the true pride of Africa.
These are hubs of the private sector of the economy in Rivers and Bayelsa States of Nigeria and indeed the Niger Delta of Nigeria.
The Directorate of industry and Mines are directly under the leadership of the First Deputy President, the Directorate of Commerce and Agriculture under the leadership of the Second Deputy President and the Special Duties Directorate and all Adhoc Committees and Offices of the President.under the direct leadership of the Presidents.
Directorate Of Commerce
Banking
Education & Training
Finance & Marketing
Freighting & Forwarding
Haulage & Transport
Hotel & Tourism
Import & Export
Insurance
Public Entertainment
Trade Development
Transportation
Directorate of Industry
Business Development Services
Construction Services
Community Affairs
Environment, Safety & Security
Entertainment
Food & Beverages
Health & Medical Services
Information, Communication & Technology
Pharmaceuticals
Media & Industrial Relations
Manufacturing Industries
Management Consultancy
Small, Medium & Large Scale Enterprises
Travel & Tours
Youth & Development
Directorate of Mines
Cabotage
Energy
Oil & Gas Upstream
Oil & Gas Upstream (Geosciences Services)
Oil & Gas Downstream
Oil & Gas Downstream (Petrochemicals & Petroleum Marketing
Oil & Gas Free Zone
Power
Solid Minerals
Directorate of Agriculture
Agro Allied Products
Animal Husbandry
Equipment
Exportable Produce & Cassava
Fishery
General Agric.
Livestock Management
Mechanised Farming
Procured Food
Directorate of Special Duties
AGOA/ EXIM/BOI
Planning/ Conference
Youth & Women Development
Conferences, Workshops & Training
Consumer Protection/ Complaint & Arbitration
Greater Port Harcourt Business Partnership
Legal & Corporate Affairs
Research & Development
Trade Fair
Office of The Presidency
Director – General
Chief Protocol Officer, Abuja Liaison Office
Chief Protocol Officers
Executive Secretary
Chairman, Economic Empowerment & Sustainable Development
Chairman, Government Affairs (Urban & Rural)
Head, Best Business Bureau (BBB)
Special Assistant to the President on Economic Analysis
Executive Assistant to the President on Trade-shows & Missions
Executive Assistant to the President on Energy
Executive Assistant to the President on Media & Business Development
Chief Protocol Officers
Protocol Officers
Administrative Staff
Administrative Secretary
Accountant
Account Officers
Secretaries
Information & Communication Officer
Information Technologists
Marketing Officers
Business Development Officers
Protocol Officers
Technical Assistants
Librarians
Receptionist
Drivers
Cleaners
Maintenance Officer
Sponsorship Opportunities Within The Chamber: Why Sponsor
From acquiring new customers to strengthening current customer relationships and promoting your products/services, PHCCIMA’s 50th Anniversary. Twelve long into 2008 provides an ideal branding and marketing platform for reaching the Niger Delta most affluent segment. Expected guest and invitees are the Presidency, Federal and State Governors, Legislators, Federal Ministers, Commissioners, Council Chairmen, Foreign Embassies, Business Community, all City and Bilateral Chambers of Commerce in Nigeria and NACCIMA.
Branding Strategies
Establishment of product and services through the creation of an increase in exposure for profitability and customer acquisition and retention.
Creation of highly visible success stories that will encourage other companies to follow suit, more enthusiastically and faster.
Creation of many clients, both at home and abroad.
Having a powerful brand form that grants the status of being a customer’s first choice during informed decision making periods. They are perceived by investors, competitors, suppliers and other businesses as more valuable, and carry more weight in all kinds of negotiations. Potential value, if is clearly reasoned and intelligently planned, is universally recognized as real value; strategy, creativity and ambition are universally recognized as indicators of potential.
Added Benefits For Sponsors
Guaranteed Visibility: Where your brand images are carried in the Communicating Materials of the project sponsored.
Value Added Brand Development platform and your advertisement in the Official Event Booklets distributed to all participants.
Playing an Important Role in encouraging innovative projects undertaken by the Chamber.
Guaranteed access for your promotional materials to be distributed to all participants and related events.
Maximum opportunities to interface with business leaders in diverse industries
Please contact us about different levels of sponsorship. Tailor-made sponsor packages are also available. We look forward to partnering with you on-board all PHCCIMA’s activities as Official Sponsors.