The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has renewed calls for stronger private sector involvement in job creation for Rivers State residents, arguing that employment remains one of the most effective tools for sustainable development and social stability.

Wike made the remarks in Port Harcourt during the commissioning of the corporate headquarters of Giolee Global Resources Limited, an event that drew business leaders, community representatives, and government officials. According to him, investments that deliberately create local jobs and integrate host communities into their operations offer long-term economic benefits that government policies alone cannot achieve.

Speaking at the ceremony, Wike described employment as central to human empowerment, noting that when people are productively engaged, the wider society benefits through increased income, reduced social tension, and higher tax revenue for development projects.

Private investment as a development driver

Wike praised Giolee Global’s decision to establish its headquarters in Port Harcourt rather than relocating to Lagos or Abuja, a move he said reflects confidence in Rivers State as an investment destination. According to him, such decisions help deepen the local economy by retaining skilled labour and strengthening internally generated revenue.

He said the scale of the completed facility exceeded his expectations. Wike recounted that when he was invited to commission the project, he assumed it would be a modest structure, only to be met with what he described as a large and impressive corporate edifice.

“When the managing director invited me to come and commission a corporate office, I was thinking it is like a one-block building. On getting to this place, I never knew that we had such a gigantic infrastructure,” Wike said.

He commended the company’s management and workforce for not only establishing the business but also sustaining it to a level where it now operates from a world-class facility. According to him, many businesses fail not at the point of registration but during the difficult phase of growth and long-term management.

“It is one thing to establish a company, it is one thing to run the company, manage it well, and it turns out this way,” he added.

Government role in easing business growth

Drawing from his experience as former governor of Rivers State, Wike stressed that governments must actively remove administrative bottlenecks that discourage investors. He identified access to land documentation, particularly Certificates of Occupancy, as a major factor influencing business expansion and access to finance.

According to Wike, proper documentation allows companies to leverage their assets when seeking bank loans, which in turn supports expansion and job creation.

“One of the things to ease the process of making business is to make sure that those people have access by having the certificate of occupancy for them to have access to the bank,” he said, reflecting on policies implemented during his tenure as governor.

Analysts say Wike’s comments highlight a persistent challenge in Nigeria’s investment climate, where bureaucratic delays in land administration often slow down industrial growth. Business groups have repeatedly called for streamlined processes at state and federal levels to attract long-term capital.

Why location matters for Rivers State

Wike expressed satisfaction that Giolee Global chose to site the project in Port Harcourt, describing it as a boost to employment opportunities and local revenue. He noted that beyond job creation, companies operating locally contribute through taxes, supply chain development, and skills transfer.

“I am happy with you that you did not go and establish this in Lagos or Abuja, that you have to provide this here, employ our people, and pay taxes to the government. That is an encouragement,” he said.

Economic observers note that Rivers State has historically relied heavily on oil and gas revenues, making diversification through manufacturing and services increasingly important. Investments like Giolee Global’s headquarters signal a gradual shift toward broader private sector participation in the state’s economy.

Corporate social responsibility and community impact

Beyond infrastructure, Wike praised the company’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, which he said demonstrated genuine commitment to the host community. According to him, Giolee Global has provided a 500 KVA transformer to improve electricity supply and sponsored school fees for 50 students.

“There are so many companies that do not care about corporate social responsibility. You are paying school fees for 50 students. That is very, very commendable,” Wike stated.

He also disclosed that the company has opened its facility to science students for educational excursions, allowing them to gain exposure to real-world industrial operations. According to Wike, such initiatives help bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical experience, particularly for young people pursuing science-related careers.

“You have made it available so that students who study science can come here for an excursion and look at what it takes. That is also an encouragement to our people,” he said.

Community leaders present at the event were urged to continue supporting investors and maintaining a peaceful environment that allows businesses to operate without disruption.

Company perspective and future plans

In his remarks, the Managing Director of Giolee Global Resources Limited, Lesi Baribera Maol, thanked Wike for attending the commissioning and acknowledged his record of infrastructure development during his time as Rivers State governor and his current role as FCT Minister.

Maol outlined the company’s planned and ongoing social responsibility programmes, including employment opportunities for youths from the host community, sponsorship of school fees for 50 graduate students, provision of a 500 KVA transformer, and educational visits for secondary school students.

According to him, the company views community engagement as a core business responsibility rather than an optional add-on, noting that long-term success depends on strong relationships with local stakeholders.

What to watch next

The commissioning comes at a time when state governments across Nigeria are seeking to attract private investment amid fiscal pressures and rising unemployment. Observers say the real test will be whether companies like Giolee Global continue to expand operations locally and maintain their commitment to employment and community development.

For Rivers State, sustained collaboration between government, investors, and host communities could determine whether such projects translate into lasting economic impact rather than one-off corporate milestones.