Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Rivers State government has declared Port Harcourt’s readiness to leverage its new status as Nigeria’s Premier Energy City to unlock massive opportunities in jobs, tourism, and infrastructure.
Speaking at the investiture ceremony, the Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, said the recognition would not only affirm the city’s role in oil and gas but also position it as a gateway for global energy investors, tourists, and innovators.
“Let it be heard far and wide: Port Harcourt is back. We are reclaiming our destiny,” Ibas declared.
“This is not just a title; it is a responsibility to create jobs for our youths, attract tourism, expand infrastructure, and drive the diversification of Nigeria’s energy economy.”
The Administrator, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibiba Worika, said the government would provide security, fiscal discipline, and business-friendly policies to ensure investment thrives.
“Port Harcourt will not only remain the hub for oil and gas but will expand as a centre for gas development, refining, petrochemicals, and renewable innovations that drive Nigeria’s energy transition,” he added.
The government also pledged to partner with the private sector to build a regional energy hub with world-class infrastructure, talent pipelines, and innovation clusters that will stimulate the local economy.
“This recognition is not an end; it is a new beginning. Together, government, industry, and the media will build a Port Harcourt that lights Africa, attracts global visitors, and offers hope for our young people,” Ibas noted.
The new Port Harcourt status, spearheaded by the Society of Energy Editors, SEE, is expected to culminate in the formal signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between the state and the media body to reposition Port Harcourt on the global energy map.
SEE Chairman, Mallam Yakubu Lawal, said the designation was aimed at correcting years of neglect and re-affirming the city’s rightful place.
“Port Harcourt is, and will always be, Nigeria’s Premier Energy City,” Lawal said.
“This recognition will re-open the doors for investment, tourism, and knowledge exchange, while the annual energy conference we propose will attract world leaders, innovators, and tourists to this city.”
He added that re-enlisting Port Harcourt into the World Energy Cities Partnership, WECP, which includes Houston, Aberdeen, and Stavanger, would bring international prestige and foreign direct investment.
Both leaders agreed that the city’s energy city status will be a catalyst for urban renewal, hospitality growth, and youth employment.
