The Director-General of RSIPA, Dr Chamberlain Peterside, identified key projects requiring regional collaboration to include rail infrastructure, power generation, and blue economy initiatives, noting that such investments extend beyond the capacity of any single state.

Peterside explained that several investment proposals emerging after the lull caused by the state of emergency have regional implications, reinforcing the need for a coordinated approach among states.

Speaking at the roundtable convened by the reconstituted BRACED Commission, Peterside outlined strategies to fast-track investment in Rivers State and the wider region.

The meeting, which is a precursor to a proposed regional economic summit, brought together investment promotion agencies from Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo and Delta states.

While chairing the session, Peterside also presented an overview of Rivers State’s economic landscape, commending the early vision of the BRACED Commission.

“The governors of the region were once united for a common purpose, but politics disrupted that momentum,” he said. “The agenda now is to integrate the economies of the region into a strong bloc.”

He noted that RSIPA is still in its early stages, having also experienced about six months of inactivity due to the state of emergency, but described the current period as an opportunity to regain momentum.

Highlighting the agency’s achievements, Peterside said RSIPA has received numerous investment proposals and has intensified engagement with both existing and prospective investors.
“We recognise that investment begins with domestic investors, and there is a need to guide and support them,” he said.

He added that through outreach programmes and the establishment of a One-Stop Centre (OSC), the agency has streamlined processes for investors.

“For the first time in Rivers State, prospective investors and small and medium enterprises have access to a centralised hub that addresses their challenges and supports business growth,” he said.
Peterside reiterated the agency’s commitment to improving the ease of doing business in the state.

“We are focused on enhancing the operating environment to attract and retain investments,” he said. “We are also collaborating with ministries, departments and agencies to harmonise activities and create a unified investment ecosystem.”

On the regional outlook, he warned of shifting dynamics in the oil and gas sector.

“The carpet is shifting under our feet as international oil companies move offshore. The region must rethink its strategy and target large-scale investments that cut across states,” he said.

He stressed that certain infrastructure projects, such as railway networks, require multi-state collaboration.

“At present, there is no rail line linking Benin, Port Harcourt and Calabar. This is an area where the BRACED Commission can take the lead,” he said.

Peterside also referenced ongoing oil corridor developments, including routes from Opobo to Akwa Ibom, noting their strategic importance to regional integration.

He added that the Rivers State Government is keen on deepening economic collaboration with neighbouring states, describing the current political alignment in the region as a window of opportunity for joint development initiatives.

He called on all the agencies in the BRACED states to sell the idea to their governors. “Let the governors know that BRACED task is not a competition but as a collaboration. We have the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the South-South Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (SSCCIMA), the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines, and Agriculture (NDCCITMA), etc. This is the ripest time to strike the iron.”

Mrs Patience Ranami Abah, Director General of the Bayelsa Investment Promotion Agency (BIPA), also shook the floor when she presented what she termed ‘Closing the Value Capture Gap’. She showed how the states will win bigger by playing together to present an economic front.

David Franklin, a deputy director, who represented the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Abuja, said investment in people is the beginning of prosperity. “The South-South is the hub of power of Nigeria due to hydrocarbon industry, blue economy, agriculture, tourism, etc.”

Amb Joe Keshi, the DG, BRACED Commission, in his welcome remarks, said the roundtable was themed around synchrosnising investment frontiers in a strategic framework for south-south economic integration.

The roundtable ended with a communique that recommended setting up a monitoring committee, and other organs to drive integration and investment.

The possibility of a private sector-driven rail system in the region seemed to be the highlight of the roundtable as the proposition is said to already be at feasibility study level.

Mr Kalada Apiafi, who presented the outline of the project, said interests were high and hopes were also high that the rail project from Benin to Calabar would be a reality.