UNLOCKING NEW HORIZONS: NICCI PRESIDENT VISITS PHCCIMA TO EXPLORE TRADE & INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES BETWEEN NIGERIA & INDONESIA

In a move set to invigorate bilateral trade relations, Mr. Ishmael Balogun, President of the Nigerian-Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI), paid a strategic visit today to the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (PHCCIMA) Secretariat. The high-level courtesy visit was specifically aimed at deepening business engagements between the two prominent organizations and unlocking fresh partnership opportunities for the entire South-South business community.

Dr. Chinyere Nwoga, the first female president of PHCCIMA since its inception in 1957, delivered a spirited welcome address. She hailed the visit as a “gateway to untapped economic potentials between Nigeria and Indonesia.” Dr. Nwoga emphasized the vast business opportunities Indonesia presents, stating, “This engagement with NICCI is intended to expose our members to those hidden trade treasures.” She urged all participants to fully maximize the event to create lasting value for their businesses, expressing PHCCIMA’s desire to “foster a symbiotic relationship of value with NICCI.” Dr. Nwoga concluded by extending appreciation to Dr. Tariboba Memberr, Head of PHCCIMA’s Missions Desk, for her dedicated efforts in ensuring the event’s success.

In his address, Mr. Ishmael Balogun commended PHCCIMA’s forward-thinking leadership under Dr. Nwoga. He underscored that the visit was a crucial step towards expanding bilateral trade frameworks and preparing members for two significant upcoming events in Jakarta, Indonesia: the 40th Indonesian Trade Expo, scheduled for October 15-19, 2025, and The Nigerian Indonesian Investment and Trade Forum, slated for October 21-23, 2025.

“Partnership is the new capital,” Mr. Balogun stated, advising businesses to prioritize proper structuring, robust legal and financial processes, and strategic alignment with chambers like NICCI for “exponential growth.” He revealed that NICCI had formally extended an invitation to the Vice President of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima. The Vice President, in turn, graciously mandated the office of PEBEC, led by Princess Zahrah Audu Mustapha, to coordinate key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) for participation. This includes the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Trade, Power, Transportation, Agriculture, and Health, alongside agencies such as SMEDAN, Bank of Industry, NEXIM Bank, NEPC, NIPC, NACIMMA, and the Organized Private Sector. Notably, Benue and Lagos State Governments have already confirmed their participation in the Nigerian Investment and Trade Forum. Mr. Balogun further assured attendees that business delegations enrolled with NICCI would benefit from a “100% success rate” in securing their visas.

The event also featured insightful presentations from key stakeholders:

• Barr. Cordelia Ekeh, Chairperson, Nigerian Bar Association, Port Harcourt, stressed the paramount importance of engaging proper legal counsel in all business transactions to prevent colossal losses and business failures.
• Mr. Pacqueens Irabor, Divisional Head, Bank of Industry, spoke on the bank’s funding readiness and grant processes, offering valuable information to aspiring and established entrepreneurs.
• Mr. Uwene, Deputy Chair of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, educated participants on the critical role of proper financial reporting, tax compliance, and essential accounting practices.

In his closing remarks, former PHCCIMA President, Engr. Emeka Unachukwu, lauded the Chamber’s pivotal role in driving transformational business value and strategic business facilitations, calling on all entrepreneurs to actively participate in such initiatives.

Mrs. Taroboba Memberr delivered the vote of thanks, providing further insights into PHCCIMA’s Trade Missions operations and outlining the Chamber’s plans to empower its members through various upcoming trade promotion engagements. She extended gratitude to all speakers and participants for their attendance and promised more business sessions of this nature in the coming months.

This strategic collaboration between NICCI and PHCCIMA marks a significant step towards bolstering economic ties and creating a wealth of opportunities for businesses in both Nigeria and Indonesia.