The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas,(rtd) has welcomed the recognition of Port Harcourt as Nigeria’s Premier Energy City by the Society of Energy Editors (SEE).
Speaking during a courtesy visit by a delegation of the society, led by its Chairman, Malam Yakubu Lawal, at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Monday, Ibas hailed the designation as a testament to the city’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s energy sector.
He further emphasized that the reintegration of Port Harcourt into the World Energy Cities Partnership (WECP) will unlock transformative economic opportunities, attract foreign investment, and solidify the city’s standing in the global energy arena.
He said Port Harcourt, home to Nigeria’s first oil well, two functional refineries, the Indorama Petrochemical Plant, extensive pipeline networks, and a strategic maritime corridor to the Gulf of Guinea, remains the cornerstone of the nation’s energy industry.
“Port Harcourt is not just a city; it is the heartbeat of Nigeria’s energy sector. Our potential re-admission into the WECP, joining elite energy hubs like Houston, Aberdeen, and Doha, will redefine global perceptions, showcase our stability and innovation, and open doors for trade, partnerships, and energy tourism”, the administrator said.
The administrator stressed that Port Harcourt’s return to the World Energy Cities Partnership, a coalition of 19 leading energy cities worldwide, serving as a platform for collaboration, investment, and knowledge exchange will enhance foreign direct investment in energy infrastructure and technology.
He further stated that such partnership will boost job creation,local capacity development and position Rivers State as a key player in Africa’s energy transition.
“We are fully committed to rebranding Rivers State and transforming Port Harcourt into an international energy hub.
Read Also:
- Ibas advocates community driven socio-economic projects to address societal challenges
- Ibas defies court order, inaugurates reconstituted boards, commissions in Rivers
- Ibas unhappy over pace of work on Rivers assembly complex project
“This aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, fostering an enabling environment for business, innovation, and sustainable growth”, Ibas enthused.
The administrator commended the Society of Energy Editors for its initiative to commemorate 70 years of Nigeria’s oil industry, an event that will spotlight Port Harcourt’s evolution from an oil discovery site to a global energy force.
He pledged his administration’s full support for the anniversary and urged stakeholders to collaborate in accelerating the city’s WECP re-admission.
Extending an invitation to the global energy community, Ibas highlighted Port Harcourt’s readiness to lead Africa’s energy future.
“We invite investors, innovators, and partners to join us in shaping a sustainable, prosperous energy ecosystem that benefits not just Nigeria, but the entire continent.”
Malam Yakubu Lawal, Chairman of the Society of Energy Editors, lauded the Rivers State government’s commitment to energy excellence.
“Designating Port Harcourt as Nigeria’s Premier Energy City is a historic step, one that honours our past while securing our future in the global energy landscape,” he stated.
