Rivers State is seeking to expand its economic relationship with Norway beyond the longstanding stockfish trade, with potential areas of cooperation identified in oil and gas, healthcare, education and other sectors.
The initiative emerged on Thursday, September 24, 2026, when the Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria, Svein Bæra, led a delegation to Government House, Port Harcourt, for discussions on trade and investment opportunities with the state government.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who was represented by his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, described the longstanding stockfish relationship between Norway and Nigeria as a possible starting point for broader economic cooperation.
He noted that the trade relationship had existed for almost a century and could provide a foundation for partnerships in other areas.
“That could be an entry point into us collaborating in other aspects of international trade,” Fubara said.
Read Also:
- Gov. Fubara laments negative reports about Rivers, insists state is safe, peaceful
- Cultists kill 1 during funeral in Ekori, Cross Rivers State
- Rivers assembly resolves to probe state finances under Ibas
The governor said Rivers State’s position within Nigeria’s oil and gas industry presented opportunities for collaboration with Norwegian businesses, particularly in developing downstream products that could compete in international markets.
He also identified healthcare and education as sectors where the state could explore mutually beneficial partnerships with Norway.
Fubara said the state had an agency responsible for investment and collaboration, which would engage with the Norwegian Embassy to identify possible areas of cooperation.
He also proposed that the Norwegian delegation meet with the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce and other business associations to interact directly with local entrepreneurs and examine existing opportunities.
The governor welcomed the delegation on behalf of the Rivers State Government and expressed optimism that the visit would contribute to a broader economic relationship between the state and Norway.
In his remarks, Ambassador Bæra said the delegation’s visit was aimed at exploring trade and investment opportunities in Rivers State, particularly in the stockfish and oil and gas sectors.
He said the delegation also intended to engage stockfish importers operating in the state as part of efforts to strengthen the existing commercial relationship.
Bæra said discussions with businesses and other stakeholders would help both sides identify areas of shared economic interest and determine opportunities for expanding trade and investment.
The engagement comes shortly after broader Nigeria-Norway discussions on seafood and aquaculture, with both countries exploring ways to strengthen their longstanding stockfish relationship while expanding cooperation into other areas.
For Rivers State, the discussions provide an opportunity to build on its established commercial links with Norway while exploring new partnerships in strategic sectors including energy, healthcare and education.
