The capital city of Rivers State, Port Harcourt will on August 18, 2025 be designated Nigeria’s Premier Energy City and subsequently reinstated into membership of the World Energy Cities Partnership (WECP).
These were parts of details that emerged on Monday after a closed door meeting with the Rivers state Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibom-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd), by members of the Society of Energy Editors (SEE) during a courtesy visit in his office.
Ibas who described the group’s visit as a strategic engagement that aligns with the administration’s shared vision to reclaim, reposition, and revitalize Rivers State as the undisputed energy hub of Africa, stated that designating Port Harcourt as Nigeria’s Premier Energy City, aligns perfectly with administration’s commitment to rebrand Rivers State, elevate Port Harcourt as an international energy hub, and unlock new frontiers for global investment, knowledge exchange, and socio-economic transformation.
He said: “Port Harcourt is more than just a city, it is the birthplace and beating heart of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry home to Nigeria’s first oil discovery, first refinery, and the cradle of the nation’s hydrocarbon revolution, host to two major oil refineries, the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC), petrochemical plants, oil service bases, and extensive pipeline and storage infrastructure”
Ibas noted that Port harcourt has, over the years 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 as well as a center for technical skills, research, and energy-focused educational institutions that have supported Nigeria’s energy growth for over six decades.
The Administrator explained that re-admission of Port Harcourt into World Energy Cities Partnership currently comprises 19 leading energy cities, including Houston, Aberdeen, Calgary, Doha, and Perth 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.
“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.
Rivers State Government, he said, is committed to provide an enabling environment for investment and innovation, in alignment with Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and our vision for sustainable energy growth.
“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 charged SEE to join hands with the state government to achieve this historic move together.
Ibas said: “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”, he stated
Earlier, Chairman of the Society, Mallam Yakubu Lawal while presenting the proposal to the Administrator, said 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.
