In his determination to return Port-Harcourt, the Rivers State capital as energy hub of Nigeria, the state Administrator, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has approved the designation of PORT-HARCOURT, as ‘NIGERIA’S PREMIER ENERGY CITY’ and its reinstatement into membership of the ‘ WORLD ENERGY CITIES PARTNERSHIP ‘ (WECP), describing it as a bold step towards boosting Nigeria’s economic growth in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and sustainable energy growth.
Ibas said the initiative aligned perfectly with his administration’s commitment “to rebrand Rivers State and elevate Port Harcourt as an international energy hub, and unlock new frontiers for global investment, knowledge exchange, and socio-economic transformation.”
The Administrator, who spoke on Monday, during a courtesy call by the leadership of the Society of Energy Editors (SEE) at the Government House, Port Harcourt, said the WECP membership will provide unrestricted opportunities for exchange of knowledge and experiences as well as facilitate business-to-business interaction with other leading energy cities, will attract foreign direct investment in Rivers state and Nigeria as a whole.
Ibas noted that the reinstatement of Port Harcourt into WECP, will drive economic growth by boosting energy-focused tourism, which will enhance trade, and create jobs across the local economy through renewed international visibility.
According to Ibas, Port Harcourt deserves its Premier Energy City Designation, given its massive contributions to the nation’s economy.
“Port Harcourt is more than just a city, it is the birthplace and beating heart of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.”
The Administrator stated that Port Harcourt Deserves its Premier Energy City status as home to Nigeria’s first oil discovery, ( before Bayelsa state was carved out of old Rivers state) . Also that Port-Harcourt is home to first refinery, and the cradle of the nation’s hydrocarbon revolution.
Ibas further added: “Port Harcourt is host to two major oil refineries, the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC -Old and New), Indorama petrochemical plants, oil service Colony or bases, and extensive pipeline and storage infrastructure and major crude oil and LNG Export terminals.
It is “a 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 terms of human capital and expertise, he said the oil city is “center for technical skills, research, and energy-focused educational institutions that have supported Nigeria’s energy growth for over six decades.”
The Administrator noted that the WECP currently comprises 19 leading energy cities, including Houston, Aberdeen, Calgary, Doha, and Perth.
According to him, “rejoining this exclusive network will formally recognize Port Harcourt’s irreplaceable contribution to Nigeria’s and Africa’s energy history, change the Narrative – Project Port Harcourt as a city of stability, innovation, and opportunity, countering past negative perceptions.”
He added: “This will further open Global Doors by enabling strategic partnerships and attracting foreign direct investment through collaboration with other leading energy cities, drive Economic Growth – Boost energy-focused tourism, enhance trade, and create jobs across the local economy through renewed international visibility.
Ibas pledged his administration’s commitment to providing an enabling environment for investment and innovation, even as he assured the SEE of government’s full support to the bold initiatives.
“I wish to assure the Society of Energy Editors 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.Iba said the state would facilitate strategic stakeholder engagements, including with the private sector and federal agencies, to ensure the economic benefits of this recognition are maximized.
He urged the SEE to join hands with the state government to achieve this historic move together.
“Let us make history together. Your platforms are critical in shaping the global perception of Port Harcourt as a city of resilience, innovation, and boundless potential.
“To our private sector partners, I extend an open invitation: Invest in a city ready to lead Africa’s energy future. And to the people of Rivers State, this recognition is your victory, a testament to your resilience and a promise of greater opportunities for all.
“And to the people of Rivers State, this recognition is your victory a testament to your resilience and a promise of greater opportunities for all.”
Earlier in his presentation, Chairman of the SEE, Mr. Yakubu Lawal, while presenting the proposal to the Administrator, noted that the designation would coincide with almost 70 years of Nigeria’s oil industry, transiting Port Harcourt from energy cradle to energy leader.
He expressed the Society’s readiness to partner with the state government in ensuring that Port Harcourt takes its rightful place among the world’s great energy cities.
Lawal added: “To realize this, the SEE pledges to mobilize affiliates to rebrand Port Harcourt’s narrative, personally advocate at WECP headquarters in Houston,USA, develop an annual ‘State of Energy’ report highlighting Rivers achievements “
The Chairman stated that, the society will continue to sustain publication of its quarterly Nigeria’s Energy Outlook as a way of boosting investment and exchange of credible information in the industry.
