In a landmark event that cements its pivotal role in the nation’s economy, Port Harcourt was today officially invested as ‘Nigeria’s Premier Energy City’ by the Society of Energy Editors.
The ceremony, held at the Government House, marked a historic recognition of the city’s legacy and a bold commitment to its future as a continental energy leader.
Representing the Administrator of Rivers State, His Excellency Vice Admiral (Rtd.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering commitment to fostering an environment where energy investments can thrive. He pledged robust security, fiscal discipline, and investor-friendly policies to make ventures in gas, crude refining, and petrochemicals both viable and profitable.
“Port Harcourt is Nigeria’s energy heritage and the cradle of the nation’s industrial dreams,” the Administrator’s address stated. “From the discovery of oil in Oloibiri to the establishment of refineries and petrochemical complexes, Rivers State has carried the weight and promise of Nigeria’s prosperity. This investiture affirms our history, but it does more. It challenges us to go further. Port Harcourt is not just Nigeria’s energy capital—it is destined to become the energy capital of Africa.”
To consolidate this new designation, the Administrator outlined a strategic five-pillar plan:
- Energy Diversification: Expanding into renewables such as solar, wind, and hydro, alongside petroleum and gas.
- Local Value Addition: Deepening local content to ensure the people of Rivers State are active participants in every link of the energy value chain.
- Infrastructure Development: Building a regional energy hub with world-class infrastructure and pipelines linking Nigeria to Africa and beyond.
- Environmental Stewardship: Safeguarding rivers, farmlands, and communities to ensure sustainable development.
- Global Re-integration: Supporting the re-enlistment of Port Harcourt into the World Energy Cities Programme (WECP) and hosting an Annual International Energy Conference and Exhibition.
A key outcome of the event was the announcement of a forthcoming Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the Rivers State Government and the Society of Energy Editors. This partnership, as revealed by the Society’s Chairman, Malam Yakubu Lawal, is designed to open doors for international investment, elevate the city’s global prestige, and establish an annual international conference to showcase Port Harcourt alongside 15 other globally recognized energy cities.
The keynote address was delivered by the Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, who provided a historical context of Port Harcourt’s energy journey since 1956. He emphasized the critical need for diversification into gas and renewables and called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders, balanced energy journalism, and educational reforms to empower youth with future-ready skills.
The Rivers State Government extends an invitation to the private sector to invest with courage and responsibility and urges the youth to bring their creativity and innovation into the energy space, solidifying Port Harcourt’s status as the heart of Nigeria’s energy present and future.