Rivers Seeks Global Investment Through Energy City Designation, Partnership Renewal

Rivers State is actively pursuing global investment opportunities and championing the designation of Port Harcourt as Nigeria’s Premier Energy City, as it seeks renewed membership in the prestigious World Energy Cities Partnership (WECP).

The administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Retd), unveiled these strategic initiatives during a meeting with key members of the Society of Energy Editors (SEE), led by chairman, Yakubu Lawal.

During the visit, members of the society informed the Administrator of their vision to designate Port Harcourt as Nigeria’s Premier Energy City and pursue the reinstatement of Port Harcourt’s membership in the World Energy Cities Partnership (WECP).

Ibas emphasised that Port Harcourt, widely regarded as the birthplace and heartbeat of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, has significant potential to attract international investment and foster economic development.

He explained that the plan to designate Port Harcourt as an energy city aligns seamlessly with the government’s agenda to rebrand Rivers State as a global energy hub. With its rich history, including hosting Nigeria’s first oil discovery and first refinery and being central to the country’s hydrocarbon revolution, Port Harcourt holds a unique place in Africa’s energy landscape.

According to him, Rivers State boasts critical infrastructure such as two major oil refineries—the Port Harcourt Refining Company and various petrochemical plants—alongside vital pipeline networks and export terminals that connect Nigeria to the Gulf of Guinea and beyond. The state is also home to skilled energy-focused educational institutions and research centres that have nurtured expertise for over six decades.

The administrator highlighted the benefits of rejoining the World Energy Cities Partnership, which includes 19 leading global energy cities such as Houston, Aberdeen, and Calgary. Membership in this exclusive network is expected to elevate Port Harcourt’s international profile, attract foreign direct investment, and foster valuable collaborations to stimulate socio-economic growth.

Ibas assured full government support for the initiative, committing to facilitate the official designation ceremony, collaborate with the Society of Energy Editors to accelerate re-admission into the WECP, and engage private sector and federal stakeholders to maximise economic benefits. This approach is designed to complement Nigeria’s broader Renewed Hope Agenda and promote sustainable energy development within the state.

He called on private investors to recognise Rivers State as a prime destination for energy investment and urged residents to embrace this initiative as a testament to their resilience and a gateway to new opportunities.

Yakubu Lawal, chairman of the Society of Energy Editors, expressed confidence that Port Harcourt is uniquely qualified to reclaim its status as Nigeria’s leading energy city. He pledged to mobilise media support to rebrand the city’s narrative, advocate for the WECP membership, and publish an annual ‘State of Energy’ report to showcase Rivers State’s achievements and future potential.

Together, these efforts aim to position Port Harcourt and Rivers State as epicentres of innovation, stability, and prosperity in Nigeria’s and Africa’s energy sectors, drawing significant global investment and fostering growth for years.

Yakubu stressed that “this is not just about reclaiming our seat at the table; it’s about ensuring Port Harcourt leads Africa’s energy future as boldly as it pioneered our past.

This designation would coincide with almost seven decades of Nigeria’s oil industry.”

To realise this vision, Yakubu said, the SEE will mobilise media affiliates to rebrand Port Harcourt’s narrative, advocate at WECP headquarters in Houston, and develop an annual ‘State of Energy’ report highlighting Rivers’ achievements.