The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Port Harcourt Branch, Mrs. Cordelia Uwuma Eke has urged members of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce (PHCCIMA) to take advantage of the forthcoming NBA Annual General Conference.

Speaking during a working visit to the first female President of PHCCIMA, Eke noted that the Annual General Conference “would provide opportunities for PHCCIMA members to showcase their businesses in the state,” adding that “PHCCIMA may wish to take advantage of the platform of the conference to showcase what they have to offer.”

The Chairman highlighted the need to create avenues for collaboration between NBA and PHCCIMA in the new year 2025, adding that “The aim of the collaboration is to promote business in the state and opportunities for lawyers in the business sector as well as provide specialised legal services for members of PHCCIMA in such areas as legal compliance, IP, etc.”

Eke assured the Chamber that there are suitably qualified lawyers and senior advocates in the state to provide essential legal services to the business sector, adding that “this will reduce the cost of engaging practitioners from outside Rivers State.”

She highlighted the “preference of ADR in resolving issues that arise in business and connecting competent ADR lawyers with entrepreneurs,” and noted that this would save business time and cost in the resolution of business disputes.

The Bar Leader mooted the importance of a Law and Business Conference in 2025 where both lawyers and business owners can network, explore areas of common interest, learn and partake in a continuous development programme, noting that “NBA is equally concerned about having a favourable business climate in the state, and would do its best to see that the legal regime is conducive for investors.”

Responding, the PHCCIMA President expressed delight at the visit, saying that the NBA team was the first she is receiving following her recent investiture as the first female President of the chamber. She also congratulated Eke for breaking the glass ceiling in the NBA as first female Secretary and pioneer female Chairman of the influential branch.

Nwoga stated the need for lawyers in the business sector to interpret the law and guide business owners on compliance with regulations, urging the branch members to join the chamber as members. She stated the need for a strong partnership between both organizations, adding that this will be highly beneficial to the members.

The PHCCIMA President echoed the views of the NBA Branch Chairman on the promotion of ADR in business, the potential gains of the Law and Business Conference, and the need to provide mentorship and support to young lawyers and entrepreneurs to understudy businesses.

Urging lawyers to interrogate issues that affect the business sector, Nwoga assured that the chamber would provide a platform where Eke and her colleagues can address PHCCIMA members on the benefits of legal services for the business sector.

The meeting, which took place at the Executive Boardroom of the chamber, also had in attendance the 1st Deputy President of PHCCIMA, Chief Isaac Wonwu; D-G PHCCIMA, Mr. Obiandu, and PHCCIMA Council Member, Oseleye Ojuka.

The Branch Chairman was accompanied on the working visit by the NBA Port Harcourt Branch YLF Chairman, Mr. Smart Okpara and Executive Committee Member, Mr. Romeo Isokariari among others.

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