Rivers Pledges Conducive Environment As Port Harcourt Assumes Premier Energy City

Port Harcourt has officially been designated as ‘Nigeria’s Premier Energy City’ by the Society of Energy Editors in a landmark event that cements its pivotal role in the nation’s economy.

The ceremony at the Government House on Tuesday marked a historic recognition of the city’s legacy and a bold commitment to its future as a continental energy leader.

Representing the administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, the secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering commitment to fostering an environment where energy investments can thrive.

According to a statement by the senior special adviser, Media to the

The administrator of the Rivers State government, Hector Igbikiowubo, pledged robust security, fiscal discipline, and investor-friendly policies to make ventures in gas, crude refining, and petrochemicals viable and profitable.

“Port Harcourt is Nigeria’s energy heritage and the cradle of the nation’s industrial dreams. From the discovery of oil in Oloibiri to the establishment of refineries and petrochemical complexes, Rivers State has carried the weight and promise of Nigeria’s prosperity. This investiture affirms our history, but it does more. It challenges us to go further. Port Harcourt is not just Nigeria’s energy capital—it is destined to become the energy capital of Africa,” the administrator’s address stated.

To consolidate this new designation, the administrator outlined a strategic five-pillar plan: Energy Diversification, Local Value Addition, Infrastructure Development, Environmental Stewardship and Global Re-integration.

A key outcome of the event was the announcement of a forthcoming Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the Rivers State government and the Society of Energy Editors. As revealed by the Society’s chairman, Malam Yakubu Lawal, this partnership is designed to open doors for international investment, elevate the city’s global prestige, and establish an annual international conference to showcase Port Harcourt alongside 15 other globally recognised energy cities.

The keynote address was delivered by the Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, who provided a historical context of Port Harcourt’s energy journey since 1956. He emphasised the critical need for diversification into gas and renewables and called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders, balanced energy journalism, and educational reforms to empower youth with future-ready skills