RSG Backs Move to Designate Port Harcourt as Nigeria’s Premier Energy CityThe Rivers State Government has endorsed a proposal to formally designate Port Harcourt as Nigeria’s Premier Energy City, in a move aimed at reclaiming the state’s position as the country’s energy capital and restoring its global relevance in the oil and gas sector.
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd), Administrator of Rivers State, made the announcement during a courtesy visit by the Society of Energy Editors (SEE) to the Government House in Port Harcourt on August 4, 2025.
Ibas said the state government fully supports SEE’s dual proposal to designate Port Harcourt as the country’s leading energy city and pursue the reinstatement of its membership in the World Energy Cities Partnership (WECP), a global network of 19 prominent energy cities including Houston, Calgary, and Doha.
He described the initiative as a strategic step in the administration’s plan to rebrand Rivers State, promote foreign direct investment, and accelerate economic development.
“Port Harcourt is more than a city—it is the birthplace and beating heart of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,” Ibas stated, highlighting its historical importance as home to the country’s first oil discovery and refinery, as well as its industrial capacity, strategic location, and pool of energy-sector expertise.
Rejoining the WECP, he said, would not only spotlight Port Harcourt’s historic legacy but also counter negative perceptions, promote global collaboration, and boost investment, tourism, and job creation.
The Rivers State Government pledged to provide full support for the formal designation ceremony, collaborate with SEE in the push for WECP reinstatement, and engage key stakeholders to maximize the economic benefits of the initiative.
The administrator also aligned the energy city vision with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, promising a conducive environment for energy-sector growth.
Ibas called on private sector players to invest in the city and urged SEE to use its platforms to project Port Harcourt as a hub of innovation and opportunity.
“This recognition belongs to the people of Rivers State,” he said. “It is a testament to their resilience and a promise of greater opportunities for all.”
