Rivers State working to reconnect Port Harcourt to WECP
Sopuruchi Onwuka
The Rivers State government has declared plans to restore Port Harcourt’s membership in the World Energy City Partnerships (WECP), nearly a decade after the city lost its connection to the global network of energy hubs.
The move to re-establish ties with the WECP comes with a clear vision to position the city as a hub for energy-related manufacturing and industrial growth. It is also part of government’s commitment to unlock the full economic and social benefits of international collaboration.
Spokesman for the interim administration, Mr. Hector Igbikiowubo, said the state’s administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, is committed to re-establishing ties with the WECP in order to attract global investment, diversify the local economy, and create sustainable jobs.
“The WECP links global energy capitals such as Houston, Calgary, Aberdeen, and Stavanger to investment opportunities that extend far beyond oil production. For Rivers State, rejoining this network is key to unlocking industries that will design, manufacture, and assemble the equipment, spare parts and services needed to support the petroleum and energy value chain,” Mr Igbikiowubo explained.
He noted that while Rivers State hosts Nigeria’s largest oil and gas facilities including the Bonny Terminal, NLNG complex, Eleme refineries, petrochemicals, and numerous flow stations; the absence of supporting industries has meant missed opportunities for economic transformation.
According to Igbikiowubo, the imbalance has widened the gap between the wealth of the industry and the poverty in host communities because, he noted, the state has yet to develop the ancillary industries for its massive petroleum industry.
Rejoining the WECP network, he noted, would be essential for Rivers State to build a stronger industrial base and accelerate economic recovery.
“Hosting manufacturing industries will not only reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imports but will also spur local supply chains, lower operational costs for the oil and gas sector, and increase technology transfer,” he said. “It will create thousands of direct jobs in fabrication yards, assembly plants, and service companies, while also generating indirect jobs in logistics, housing, hospitality, finance, and retail.”
Additional benefits, according to the Rivers administration, include boosting state revenue through taxes, royalties, and industrial levies; encouraging small and medium enterprise (SME) growth as local businesses supply goods and services to larger manufacturers; and accelerating skills development and training for young professionals in engineering, technology, and manufacturing trades.
Others are driving infrastructure development such as roads, ports, and power to support industrial clusters; and positioning Port Harcourt as a regional hub for West and Central Africa in energy-related manufacturing and services.
Vice Admiral Ibas, according to Hector, has also emphasized the need for investor confidence, highlighting steps already taken by the interim administration to restore political stability and reconcile stakeholders.
“Our goal is to create a safe, stable, and business-friendly environment where investment thrives,” Igbikiowubo said.
By regaining WECP membership, Rivers State aims not only to attract global conferences and investment forums but also to transform Port Harcourt into a globally recognized energy and manufacturing hub; bridging the gap between the state’s oil wealth and the prosperity of its people.
Igbikiowubo added that the interim government has worked to stabilize the political and social climate in the state, reconciling key stakeholders and prioritizing business protection under emergency rule.
“Vice Admiral Ibas has brought his discipline and administrative experience to bear on restoring stability and investor confidence,” he said.
Re-engagement with the WECP is part of a broader strategy to attract new investments, bring global industry conferences to Port Harcourt, and create fresh opportunities for the state’s youth and professionals.
To make social stability sustainable in Rivers State, Mr Igbikiowubo said, the interim administration has worked hard to reconcile the political actors that created necessity for emergency rule.
According to him, Admiral Ibas has since brought his vast wealth of administrative experience, hard earned discipline and patriotism to ensure that emergency rule in the state protects businesses and boosts the confidence of investors.
And part of the strategies, Mr Ignikiowubo stated, is to reengage with the WECP for the full industry chain benefits, including bringing industry conferences to Port Harcourt and attracting new investments into the city.
He made it clear that youths and professionals from all parts of the world who currently reside in Rivers State need jobs, and that the city is in dire need of fresh investments in industries that would provide the direct and indirect job opportunities.
