Earlier today, major energy companies announced plans to launch production from the Ubeta gas field and other significant oil fields, Bonga North and IMA, by 2027, promising a multi-billion-dollar boost to Nigeria’s energy sector. Yet, just hours before this news broke, social media buzzed with distress calls from residents like Emmy (@GQ_Emmy), who reported his car submerged in floodwaters in Rumuigbo, a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability to heavy rains.
This juxtaposition raises a critical question: Can this oil and gas boom transform Rivers State’s economy while addressing its pressing challenges, particularly the recurring floods that threaten lives and livelihoods? The answer lies in a delicate balance of prosperity and resilience, demanding strategic investment and community-focused planning.
The Promise of Economic Renewal
The Ubeta gas field, located onshore approximately 85 kilometers northwest of Port Harcourt, anchors this new wave of development. Valued at over $550 million, the project will develop six new wells and an unmanned production cluster, tapping into the field’s rich gas reserves discovered decades ago.
This initiative is expected to create hundreds of jobs in construction, logistics, and oilfield services, injecting vitality into a region where unemployment has long been a concern. Governor Siminalayi Fubara, speaking at a recent economic summit in Port Harcourt, hailed Ubeta as a cornerstone for diversifying the state’s economy beyond crude oil, with potential revenues funding critical infrastructure.
Complementing Ubeta, the Bonga North field, a $5 billion deepwater project led by Shell, promises even greater impact. Situated 120 kilometers southwest of the Niger Delta, this field involves drilling 16 wells and upgrading an existing floating production facility. With an estimated 300 million barrels of oil equivalent in recoverable reserves and a peak output of 110,000 barrels per day, Bonga North could significantly boost Nigeria’s oil exports. Though not directly within Rivers State’s territorial waters, its proximity to the Niger Delta, encompassing Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta states, ensures economic spillovers, potentially through federal revenue sharing.
The IMA field, spanning OMLs 112 and 117 in shallow waters off Rivers State and Akwa Ibom, adds another layer. Operated by Amni with a 60% stake alongside TotalEnergies, this field’s development could unlock additional oil and gas volumes. Legal disputes over revenue deductions, as noted in a 2019 Supreme Court ruling, tie IMA to Rivers State, reinforcing its regional significance. Together, these projects represent a combined investment exceeding $5.55 billion, offering a lifeline to a state eager for economic revitalization.
Flood Mitigation as a Urgent Priority
However, the economic promise is overshadowed by an immediate crisis. Today’s X posts, including Emmy’s lament about his flooded car and a mechanic’s plight in Rumuigbo, highlight the severity of the 2025 rainy season. Heavy downpours, exacerbated by climate change, have turned streets into rivers, submerging vehicles and disrupting commerce. A 2021 study in the Journal of Flood Risk Management attributes such flooding to poor urban planning and inadequate drainage, a challenge acutely felt in Port Harcourt and its environs.
This situation underscores the need for robust infrastructure investment. The anticipated oil and gas revenues could finance elevated roads, expanded drainage systems, and early warning networks to mitigate future floods. Environmental engineer Dr. Chinedu Okonkwo, a Port Harcourt-based expert, suggests that a $50 million allocation from Ubeta’s proceeds could overhaul Rumuigbo’s drainage, protecting thousands of homes. Such investments would not only address current woes but also build resilience against increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, as noted by CARE International’s 2025 climate report on Nigeria.
Environmental Sustainability and Community Concerns
Yet, this economic opportunity comes with environmental risks. The Niger Delta’s history of oil spills, over 6,000 recorded incidents since the 1970s according to the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, raises concerns about the ecological impact of new developments. The Ubeta project’s low-emission design offers hope, but local environmental groups like the Environmental Rights Action Network demand stringent oversight to prevent pollution. Community leader Mr. Tamunoemi George, from a village near Ubeta, emphasizes the need for benefit-sharing agreements, arguing that past oil wealth has bypassed residents.
These concerns are valid, given the region’s fragile ecosystems. The Bonga North and IMA fields, being offshore, pose less immediate threat to onshore communities but require robust spill prevention measures. A balanced approach, integrating advanced technologies, regular environmental audits, and community consultations, could ensure that development does not come at the cost of the Delta’s biodiversity. Governor Fubara has pledged to establish a stakeholder forum to address these issues, a step that could set a precedent for sustainable oil production.
Regional and National Impact
Beyond Rivers State, these fields position the region as a leader in Nigeria’s energy sector. Bonga North’s contribution to national oil exports could strengthen Nigeria’s position in global markets, while Ubeta and IMA enhance gas supply for domestic use and LNG exports. This aligns with the federal government’s goal to increase oil production to 2 million barrels per day by 2030, as outlined in the 2024 National Petroleum Policy. However, equitable distribution of benefits across the Niger Delta states remains a challenge, with Bayelsa and Delta also eyeing a share of the prosperity.
The geopolitical implications are significant. As global demand for energy rises, Nigeria’s ability to deliver from fields like Bonga North could attract further foreign investment. Yet, this requires stable governance and infrastructure, areas where Rivers State has struggled. The state government must negotiate with federal authorities to ensure that a fair portion of revenues, potentially 13% as per the derivation principle, flows back to local projects, including flood mitigation.
Related News: http://Flood Wrecks Havoc in Port Harcourt, Submerges Vehicles
A Call to Action
As drilling and construction gear up toward 2027, Rivers State stands at a crossroads. The Ubeta, Bonga North, and IMA fields offer a chance to transform the region into a model of resource-driven prosperity. However, success hinges on prioritizing resilience, turning oil wealth into flood-resistant infrastructure, and equity, ensuring communities reap tangible benefits. The flooding crisis of July 08, 2025, serves as a wake-up call: without strategic planning, economic gains could be undermined by environmental and social setbacks.
Stakeholders, government, oil companies, and residents, must collaborate. The state could establish a Rivers Energy and Resilience Fund, channeling a percentage of revenues into sustainable projects. International partners, like Shell and TotalEnergies, should invest in training programs to equip locals for high-skill jobs, fostering long-term growth. With these steps, Rivers State can harness its oil and gas boom to build a future where prosperity and resilience go hand in hand, turning today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities.
