The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Retd), has highlighted strategic plans to boost investment potential of the state with the view to further enhance its economic development.
Speaking when he received key members of the Society of Energy Editors (SEE) led by their chairman, Alh. Yakubu Lawal, in his office, Ibas said that Port Harcourt was more than just a city but the birthplace and beating heart of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Members of the Society had during the visit informed the Administrator of their group’s 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).
Responding to the plan, the Administrator said the initiative aligns perfectly with his administration’s commitment to rebrand Rivers State, elevate Port Harcourt as an international energy hub, and unlock new frontiers for global investment, knowledge exchange, and socio-economic transformation.
He said that the State’s strategic relevance was defined by its historical significance and as the home to Nigeria’s first oil discovery, first refinery, and the cradle of the nation’s hydrocarbon revolution.
Ibas said the State hosts two major oil refineries, the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC), petrochemical plants, oil service bases, and extensive pipeline and storage infrastructure and the gateway to the Gulf of Guinea and Niger Delta offshore assets, providing access to export terminals, shipping, and logistics operations vital to Nigeria’s global energy footprint.
In the area of human capital and expertise, the Administrator said Rivers State is the center for technical skills, research, and energy-focused educational institutions that have supported Nigeria’s energy growth for over six decades.
He highlighted key benefits of returning the State to the World Energy Cities Partnership which currently comprises 19 leading energy cities, including Houston, Aberdeen, Calgary, Doha, and Perth.
Ibas, therefore, noted that rejoining this exclusive network will help celebrate its legacy by formally recognizing Port Harcourt’s irreplaceable contribution to Nigeria’s and Africa’s energy history.
In addition it will help change the narrative with Project Port Harcourt as a city of stability, innovation, and opportunity, countering past negative perceptions.
Above all, it will enable strategic partnerships and attract foreign direct investment through collaboration with other leading energy cities, boost energy-focused tourism, enhance trade, and create jobs across the local economy through renewed international visibility.
In excitement, the Administrator assured the Society that the Rivers State Government is fully committed to supporting this historic initiative.
“Specifically, we will support the official designation ceremony of Port Harcourt as Nigeria’s Premier Energy City with all the necessary government assistance as might be required.
“Collaborate with Society of Energy Editors to fast-track re-admission into World Energy Cities Partnership, leveraging your networks and media influence to amplify our story.
“Facilitate strategic stakeholder engagements, including with the private sector and federal agencies, to ensure the economic benefits of this recognition are maximized. Provide an enabling environment for investment and innovation, in alignment with Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and our vision for sustainable energy growth.”
He used the occasion to invite private sector partners to invest in a city ready to lead Africa’s energy future, and also called on the people of Rivers State, to recognize the initiative as victory to them and a testament to their resilience and a promise of greater opportunities for all.
Chairman of the Society, Alh. Yakubu Lawal, in his opening remarks declares that there is no group better qualified to so designate Port Harcourt as Nigeria’s Premier Energy City.
Yakubu, stressed that this is not just about reclaiming our seat at the table but 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” he said
To realize this vision, Yakubu said the SEE will mobilize media affiliates to rebrand Port Harcourt’s narrative, advocate at WECP headquarters in Houston, develop an annual ‘State of Energy’ report highlighting Rivers’ achievements
