Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has declared that the State is now the most attractive destination for oil and gas investments, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to safeguarding national energy assets and strengthening partnerships across the petroleum value chain.
Speaking at the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours, NESH, Foundation Oil and Gas Roundtable in Port Harcourt, the Governor said Rivers State’s economic future is inseparable from the performance of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon sector.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, he stressed that the oil and gas industry remains central to national prosperity and that his administration has prioritised collaboration with the Federal Government, security agencies and host communities to protect critical infrastructure.
“The Nigerian oil and gas sector is the lifeblood of our nation’s economy, contributing over 90% of Federal Government’s foreign exchange earnings. Similarly, Rivers State is the centre of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry, with the State’s oil and gas resources generating over 40% of the country’s revenue,” he stated.
According to him, this reality makes it imperative for the State to strengthen stability around national assets and provide an enabling environment for investors.
“Considering this, the survival and economic development of Rivers State are closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry. That is why we have focused on safeguarding the national oil and gas assets and we will maintain this commitment for as long as it is necessary.”
Governor Fubara said his administration has ensured that the State remains peaceful, secure and business-friendly, enabling both indigenous and international companies to thrive.
“Furthermore, we have established and maintained a conducive, peaceful, and secure environment for companies to open and flourish in the State. We therefore recognise and applaud the vital role that indigenous companies are currently playing in bridging gaps and advancing the development of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,” he added.
He affirmed that local firms can only thrive when systemic challenges are addressed, pledging support for indigenous organisations such as the NESH Foundation. Declaring the roundtable open, he assured operators that the government is responsive and ready to align with policy reforms.
“We are ready and willing to respond positively to any administrative, policy, or legislative recommendations within our jurisdiction as a subnational State,” he said.
Founder of the NESH Foundation, Mr. Emeka Ugwu-Ozue, said the roundtable is held exclusively in oil-producing states to deepen industry-focused dialogue and promote global standards for local players.
“This roundtable discussion takes place in only oil and gas producing states to make sure that sooner, it becomes like Houston in the United States of America,” he explained.
He praised the State’s improving business climate. “I would say that from what I have seen so far, Rivers State is back and open, safe and good for business. The oil and gas players should come and see what we have seen,” he declared.
