- Port Harcourt energy capital will attract investors and build world-class infrastructure for sustainable growth.
- Port Harcourt energy capital will diversify into renewables, including solar, wind, hydro, and gas.
Port Harcourt energy capital has officially been declared by the Rivers State Government, placing the city at the heart of Nigeria’s energy transformation. The state pledged to attract investment, improve security, and enforce fiscal discipline to strengthen investor confidence.
At Government House, Vice Admiral (Rtd.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, represented by Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, announced the recognition. According to him, Port Harcourt is both Nigeria’s “energy heritage” and the “cradle of the nation’s industrial dreams.” The recognition, he added, honours the city’s legacy while also serving as a roadmap for its future.
Officials emphasised that Port Harcourt energy capital could grow far beyond oil and gas, with the potential to become Africa’s leading energy hub. In support of this vision, the government unveiled plans to diversify into renewables such as solar, wind, hydro, and gas. It also confirmed that a regional energy hub with modern infrastructure would be developed. However, the state intends to pursue re-enlistment into the World Energy Cities Programme and host an annual International Energy Conference and Exhibition.
Malam Yakubu Lawal, Chairman of the Society of Energy Editors, welcomed the recognition. He described Port Harcourt as a city with a “glorious past” and an “immense future” in the energy sector. To build on this momentum, the Society plans to sign an MoU with the government. This agreement will aim at attracting global investors and institutionalising a permanent international energy conference.
Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University, delivered the keynote. He traced the city’s energy role back to the 1956 oil discovery and underlined its economic contributions. Yet, he warned against neglecting environmental concerns in host communities. Consequently, he called for greater investment in clean energy, stronger collaboration among stakeholders, and reforms in education to equip young Nigerians for future opportunities.