The Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has called on the National Assembly to support his administration in its effort to reposition the state on the path of peace, progress and prosperity. Ibas stated this on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, when he received on a courtesy visit, members of House Committee on Public Assets from the Nigerian House of Representatives, led by Hon Ademorin Kuye, the Chairman of the Committee and they had a delegation of staff of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) accompanying them.
In his address, the Rivers State Sole Administrator noted that their presence was not only timely but also instructive as, according to him, “it underscores the commitment of the National Assembly to ensuring the efficient use and effective management of federal assets across the federation.
Ibas expressed appreciation to the Chairman of the Committee for what he described as his kind words of encouragement and unwavering support. The SOLAD described their visit to the state, and particularly to the facilities of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NOA) in Port Harcourt Area, as “timely and significant, given the strategic importance of the Ports to our national economy, and the pressing need to revitalise them.
“We are equally happy with the continued support of the National Assembly to the well-being of our state and its people. “Your dedication, especially in the challenging period, following the declaration of the State of Emergency in our dear state by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, is deeply appreciated.
“It is in this context that your visit assured added relevance, and it provides an opportunity for an on-the-spot assessment of key federal assets, particularly those under Public-Private Partnership, Leaseholdings and Concession Agreements.
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“Distinguished Committee members, Rivers State, as you are all aware, serves as a critical hub for Maritime, Oil and Gas, and other industrial activities in Nigeria. Yet we continue to grapple with numerous challenges in our infrastructure landscape”.
He lamented that the years of neglect, vandalism and under-utilisation have left many of our public assets in dire need of rehabilitation and strategic realignment. Among the assets currently operating under the Private Partnership framework in the state are the Onne Ports Complex, various oil and gas service zones and certain segments of the Nigerian Ports Authority facilities.
While some of these partnerships have yielded appreciable results in enhancing operational capacities and boosting revenues, others remain underperforming due to weak regulatory frameworks, lack of accountability and conflicting interests between stakeholders.
A comprehensive assessment of these assets is therefore essential to determine their current state and chart a clear path forward. Ibas expressed the belief that the National Assembly, through this Committee, is well-positioned to help fine-tune existing Public-Private Partnerships arrangements by ensuring greater transparency, adherence to contractual obligations and improved monitoring mechanisms.
“We must work together to ensure that these partnerships truly deliver value for money and serve the best interests of our people. “It is also important to emphasise the significance of this oversight visit in evaluating the critical state of infrastructure in Rivers State.
“In the past few weeks, our administration has prioritised the stabilisation of the state’s security environment and the peaceful resolution of the political conflicts that had threatened to erode public trust and economic progress. Through consultations, peace-building engagements and coordination with security agencies, we have taken deliberate steps to restore normalcy and strengthen the fabric of unity in Rivers State.
“As we look to the future, the success of our administration’s mandate will largely depend on sustained collaboration and the support of institutions such as yours.
Further, he called on the National Assembly to continue supporting us in our effort to reposition Rivers State on the path of peace, progress and prosperity. “We count on your expertise and your legislative support as we work to enhance the value of federal assets in the state, improve service delivery and stimulate economic growth.
“Your visit today rekindles our hope that together, we can overcome the challenges we face and unlock the vast potential of Rivers State for the benefit of all Nigerians.
