…to be readmitted into Global Energy Cities Platform
By Emmanuel Obe
Rivers State Government is excited about the recognition of Port Harcourt as Nigeria’s Premier Energy City by the Society of Energy Editors (SEE), marking a major milestone in the city’s long-standing leadership in the country’s energy sector.
The declaration was made during a courtesy visit by the SEE delegation, led by its Chairman, Mallam Yakubu Lawal, to the Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ibas, at Government House in Port Harcourt.
Vice Admiral Ibas described the recognition as a “well-deserved tribute” to the city’s historical and strategic role in Nigeria’s energy development, from hosting the country’s first oil well to serving as home to key facilities including two refineries, Indorama Petrochemical Plant, and a vast pipeline and maritime infrastructure.
“Port Harcourt is not just a city—it is the heartbeat of Nigeria’s energy sector,” Ibas said. “Our re-admission into the World Energy Cities Partnership (WECP) will be a game changer. It positions us alongside global energy powerhouses such as Houston, Aberdeen, and Doha.”
The World Energy Cities Partnership (WECP) is a global alliance of 19 leading energy cities, focused on promoting collaboration, investment, and innovation in the energy space. Ibas noted that Port Harcourt’s return to the group will stimulate foreign direct investment in energy infrastructure and technology, drive job creation and enhance local technical capacity and strengthen Rivers State’s role in Africa’s clean energy transition.
The Administrator affirmed that the recognition aligns perfectly with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which promotes economic revitalization, innovation, and sustainable development.
He pledged full state support for the upcoming 70th anniversary celebration of Nigeria’s oil industry an initiative of the Society of Energy Editors, and called on stakeholders to collaborate in accelerating Port Harcourt’s WECP re-admission process.
“We are committed to building a globally competitive energy hub in Port Harcourt,” Ibas said. “This is not just about legacy. It’s about the future. A future where Port Harcourt is a reference point for sustainable energy development in Africa and beyond.”
SEE Chairman Malam Yakubu Lawal commended the Rivers State Government for its unwavering support of the energy sector and the proactive steps taken toward international engagement.
“Designating Port Harcourt as Nigeria’s Premier Energy City is both symbolic and strategic,” Lawal said. “It acknowledges the city’s legacy in Nigeria’s oil story while securing its place in the global energy landscape.”
With preparations underway for WECP re-entry and momentum building toward energy industry anniversaries and reforms, Port Harcourt is poised to redefine its global energy profile—attracting new investments, partnerships, and long-term growth.
