Nigerian State Profiling Project - Rivers State
Transcript of Nigerian State Profiling Project - Rivers State
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Rivers StateTreasure Base of the Nation
STATE PROFILE
History: Formed in 1967
Location: South-south zone
Capital: Port Harcourt
Major Towns and Cities: Ahoada, Bonny, Opobo, Elele, Obigbo,
Buguma, Abonema, Ogoni, Bori, Degema, and Okrika
Population:5.2 million; 3.7% of Nigerias population
Land Area: 10,575 square kilometers; 1.2% of Nigerias land area
Climate: Two seasons annually; a rainy season and a dry season
Official Language: English
Principal Languages: Ikwerre; Ijaw
Religion: Predominantly Christian, but Islam and traditional faiths
are also common
Border States: Anambra, Imo and Abia to the north; Akwa Ibom
to the east; Bayelsa and Delta to the west
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ABOUT RIVERS STATE
Rivers State, which is known as the Treasure Base of the Nation,
is one of the 36 states that make up the Federal Republic of
Nigeria. The countrys capital of Abuja, like Washington DC in the
United States, constitutes a further independent jurisdiction, so
Nigeria has 37 states in total.
The state, which is in the south-south geographic zone, is one of
the countrys smaller states in terms of land size, and its
population of 5.2 million people accounts for 3.7% of Nigerias
people.
Located in the Niger Delta and true to its name, the state has
many rivers, lakes, streams and lagoons, and borders on the
Atlantic coast. It has a varied topography, which includes
freshwater zones, coastal zones and mangrove swamps.
Rivers State is largely rural in character, but it has several cities,
including the capital, Port Harcourt. Nigerias second-largest port
is located here, as is a major railway terminal and a large
international airport. The city has a long tradition of trade, is
serviced by an established financial services sector, and is
connected to all of the neighbouring states by a good system of
roads and highways.
As in the rest of the south-south and south-east zones, the
climate in Rivers State is characterised by two seasons annually;
a rainy season and a dry season. The long rainy season, which
lasts from February until November, brings up to
4,700 millimetres of rain along the coast and around
1,700 millimetres in the north. The average annual temperature
is 26C, and average monthly temperatures vary by only about
2C between the rainy season and the dry season.
With its high annual rainfall and fertile farmlands, Rivers State
produces many high-yield crops, including yam, cassava,
cocoyam, maize, beans and lowland rice. Vegetables, melons,
pineapples and plantains are also widely grown. In particular, it is
known for its oil palms, with this tree being so ubiquitous that
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the vegetation in many of the inland parts of the state is referred
to as oil palm bush.
The state does, however, face some significant environmental
challenges, especially as it is at the centre of Nigerias oil and gas
industry. Water, land and air pollution therefore all pose
challenges, as does the flooding and soil erosion that is common
throughout the region. These issues are therefore a key focus for
government, which is working hard to address them.
The states population is ethnically diverse, and includes people
from such groups as the Igbo, the Ikwerre and Ijaw, most of
whom are engaged in agriculture, either at subsistence or
commercial level. Farming, fishing and husbandry are all
practised very successfully too, as is rabbit breeding.
There is a strong tradition of trade and industry in the state, and
it is particularly known for its oil, gas and allied industries. It has a
vibrant commercial sector as well, and many initiatives to
support the development of small, medium and micro
enterprises. Great investment potential exists in all of these
sectors, as it does in the states budding tourism industry, which
offers access to many natural, cultural and historic attractions.
Rivers State is governed by a democratically-elected government
and elected representatives in its various local government
areas. It also has an independent judiciary and a number of
traditional institutions, including the State Council of Traditional
Rulers.
With its abundant water resources, varied topography,
productive farming sector, extensive commercial sector, rich
cultural heritage, alluring tourist attractions and its mainstay oil
and natural gas industry, Rivers State has much to offer, and truly
lives up to its name of Treasure Base of the Nation.
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LAND AND PEOPLE
GEOGRAPHY
Rivers State is one of six states in Nigerias south-south
geographic zone and is situated in the Niger Delta, the countrys
oil-producing region. It extends over 10,575 square kilometers
and has a population of 5.2 million, accounting for 3.7% of the
total population. Most people live in rural areas, but many live in
the capital city ofPort Harcourt and in the states other towns.
The capital city of Port Harcourt is home to the second largest
port in Nigeria, a large international airport and a major railway
terminus. A good system of roads connects the city to other parts
of the state as well as to towns and cities in neighbouring states.
The agricultural areas in Rivers State are highly arable, and a
wide variety of crops are grown there, including cassava and oil
palm. Policy is focused on developing large-scale food farming,
and the state government has instituted many initiatives aimed
at fulfilling this goal.
Location
One of the six states in the south-south zone
Rivers State is one of the six states in the south-south geopolitical
zone of Nigeria. It is located between latitudes 4020 and 5
050' N
and longitudes 6020 and 7
035 E.
The state shares common boundaries with the states of
Anambra, Imo and Abia to the north; Akwa Ibom to the east, and
Bayelsa and Delta to the west. As it is a coastal state, the Atlantic
Ocean lies to the south.
Rivers State is 10,575 square kilometres in size, representing
1.2% of Nigerias total land area.
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Commerce and Industry
Ideally situated for all types of trade
The strategic significance of Rivers State and its importance to
the Nigerian economy have earned it the name Treasure Base of
the Nation. The capital city of Port Harcourt, on the other hand,
has become known throughout Nigeria as Garden City because of
its superb layout and beautiful environment.
One of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in Africa, it is close
to Nigerias two largest commercial cities; Aba in Abia State and
Nnewi in Anambra State. It is also accessible by road from most
parts of the south-eastern states (Imo, Ebonyi, Anambra, Abia
and Enugu), as well as from some of the states in the south-southgeopolitical zone, namely Cross River and Akwa lbom. It is one of
the railway station towns on the eastern railway route too, all of
which means it is perfectly situated for all types of trade.
Port Harcourt is the second-largest sea port in Nigeria, and is
strategically located on an established trading route. Apart from
its accessibility by sea, road and rail, the citys international
airport, one of three in the country, provides a gateway to the
entire southern and south-eastern region.
Rivers State is also home to the Onne Oil and Gas Free TradeZone, which offers many commercial advantages.
Topography and Flora
Three distinct topographical zones
Rivers State has a varied topography, which can be grouped into
three types: freshwater zones, coastal zones and mangrove
swamps. These are criss-crossed by the maze of rivers, lakes,
streams and lagoons that occur throughout the state.
The mangrove swamps, which occur in the delta environment
between the coast and the interior, are generally no more than
20 metres above sea level. They are found in the Akuku-Toru,
Abua-Odial, Asari-Toru, Degema, Okrika, Ogu-Bolo, Bonny,
Andoni and Opobo local government areas, and are
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characterised by three species of mangrove, the most common
of which is the stilt-rooted Rhizophora Racemosa.
A freshwater zone extends northwards from these mangrove
swamps, and a freshwater flood plain extends to the west and
the south west. This is broken up in many places by homoclinal
or hogback ridges, which alternate with shallow basins.
The flood plain, which straddles the upper and lower deltas of
the Niger River, features freshwater trees that are edaphic
variants of the types found in rainforest areas. These include the
abura tree, the oil palm and the raffia palm, and these are usually
found together with a variety of shrubs, lianas, ferns, floating
grasses and reeds.
The northern freshwater zone is characterised by rainforest
vegetation, which is the predominant form of vegetation in
southern Nigeria. Many economically-viable trees grow here, the
most important of which is the oil palm. In fact, the extensive
palm coverage found in the inland parts of the state have led to
this kind of vegetation being called oil palm bush.
Most water channels in the freshwater zones are bordered by
natural levees, which are not only of topographical interest, but
of great economic importance, as they are used for settlements
and to cultivate crops. The lower flood plain of the Niger River is,
however, also characterised by a silt and clay foundation, which
makes it susceptible to heavy perennial flooding, and the
southern areas are affected by tidal fluctuations too.
Fourteen of the states 23 local government areas are situated on
higher-lying ground, though. This varies between 20 and 45
metres above sea level, and is the highest at Okubie in the south
west. These areas include Ogoni, lkwerre, Ahoada, Abual-Odual,
0gba-Egbema-Ndoni and Port Harcourt. The drier upland zones
account for approximately 61% of the states land area, while the
riverine and coastal areas with a relief range of up to five metres
account for about 39%.
The narrow coastal sand ridges zone, which occurs on the
Atlantic seaboard, is made up of beaches and sandy ridges. The
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soil in these areas is mainly sandy or sandy loam, and it supports
crops like coconut, oil palm, raffia palm and cocoyam.
The varied topography in Rivers State poses many challenges,
both economic and ecological. The major environmental issues
that government has to deal with include beach and creek
erosion, deforestation, and the effects of heavy rainfall on soil
quality.
Oil exploration has caused further environmental problems such
as oil spillage and other forms of water, air and land pollution.
Spillage, which comes about as a result of crude oil exploitation
and transportation, is a major environmental challenge, as are
blowouts and pipeline ruptures. Spillage causes extensive surface
water pollution, endangers flora and fauna, and causes a
reduction in soil productivity. Both state and federal government
have, however, put several programmes in place to address
these issues.
Climate
A hot, sub-tropical climate
There are two seasons in the year, a rainy season and a dry
season. The rainy season is, however, so long that only the
months of December and January really qualify as dry season
months.
Total annual rainfall measures between 1,700 millimetres in the
north of the state and 4,700 millimetres on the coast, and is
therefore more than adequate to support crop production
throughout the year.
In Port Harcourt, the heaviest precipitation occurs during the
month of September, when an average of 370 millimetres is
measured. This is in sharp contrast to rainfall in December, when
the monthly average is only 20 millimetres.
The average monthly temperature in the state is between 250C
to 280C, while the average annual temperature is 26
0C. The
hottest months of the year are between February and May, but
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the difference in average temperature between the dry season
and the wet season is only about 20C. Relative humidity is high
throughout the year, although it obviously decreases slightly in
the dry season.
Natural Landmarks
A state of lakes, rivers and lagoons
Forests and forest reserves occur throughout Rivers State, but
are more common in the north-western freshwater zone.
Unfortunately, both natural and cultivated forests have been
excessively exploited over the years, without sufficient attention
being given to re-growth, stock density and species diversity.
Many areas, in fact, have now been permanently converted foragricultural use or for housing, road construction and industrial
estates. Despite this, there are still large areas of forest in the
state, and some of these are now being sustainably cultivated for
use in the paper and pulp industry.
As far as water resources are concerned, the state is criss-crossed
by many lakes, rivers, streams and lagoons, all of which flow into
the Atlantic Ocean in the south. This plentiful supply of water
provides substantial opportunities for development, especially as
a source of hydro-electric power and for transportation
purposes.
The fishing industry also offers great potential for development.
Around 270 species of fish have been identified in the states
freshwater areas, as well as in the ocean off its coast. Seafood
such as crab, oysters and shrimp is plentiful too, and fishing is
therefore the main occupation for the people living in the
riverine and coastal areas.
The fishing population remains largely artisanal, though, so there
is tremendous potential to develop more large-scale operations.
With suitable investment and modern technology, the industry
can be developed to create jobs and generate wealth for
investors, the states people and government alike.
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NATURAL RESOURCES
Characterised by an extensive network of rivers, lakes and
lagoons, Rivers State is well endowed with water resources. It
therefore has a strong agricultural sector, and produces many of
the crops for which West Africa is known. It also has well-
developed fishing and livestock industries, which flourish in the
states rural areas.
The state has rich deposits of oil and natural gas too, and it
accounts for half of the countrys crude oil production. Other
natural resources available for commercial exploitation include
silica sand, glass clay, rubber, raffia and jute.
Agriculture and Livestock
A wide variety of crops
The agricultural cycle is, of course, determined by the seasonal
distribution of rainfall.
As Rivers State lies within a rainforest belt and so receives
abundant rain, its arable land and tropical climate supports the
production of a wide variety of high-yield cash crops. These
include yam, cassava, cocoyam, maize, beans and lowland rice.
Vegetables, melons, pineapples and plantains are also widely
grown.
Forestry and Vegetation
Many economically-viable tree species
According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the total
area covered by forest reserves and plantations in 2006 was
25,000 hectares and 231 hectares respectively.
These tracts of land fulfil an important ecological function byprotecting watersheds, maintaining ecological balance and
preventing sheet and gully erosion. They also provide an array of
economically-viable trees, from which products like rubber,
raffia, jute and palm oil are derived. Some species provide timber
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for use in construction, in the paper and pulp industries, and for
fuel.
Although the states forests have been unsustainably exploited in
the past few decades, fairly large forest areas are still to be found
in all of the local government areas.
Water Resources
A state of abundant water
The extensive network of rivers, lakes, creeks, lagoons and
swamps in Rivers State, all of which flow out into the Atlantic
Ocean in the south, offer many opportunities for investment and
development. Significant prospects exist in the fishing, hydroelectric and water transportation sectors too, and there is great
potential for the development of tourist facilities.
Mineral Deposits
The state accounts for half of Nigerias crude oil production
Rivers State has rich deposits of oil and gas, and much of the
countrys oil revenue is earned here, as the state accounts for
nearly half of Nigerias crude oil production. There are also
substantial deposits of silica sand and glass clay in various areas,which are available for commercial exploitation.
Several surveys and studies have been conducted on the uses
and applications of silica sand and glass clay by both the Federal
Ministry of Mines and Solid Mineral Development and the
Federal Raw Materials Research and Development Council. The
state government has a programme for the orderly and
ecologically-sound exploitation of these minerals in partnership
with the private sector, and all of this information is available to
potential investors.
The federal government is also implementing a number of
policies and programmes to mitigate against the environmental
impact of the oil and gas industry. Like all other oil- and gas-
producing states in Nigeria, Rivers State is exposed to such
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environmental challenges as gas flares, oil spillage, water
pollution, and de-vegetation. The federal governments efforts to
coordinate clean-ups and to regulate the oil industry are,
however, expected to minimise the environmental impact of the
industry.
PEOPLE AND POPULATION
Rivers State is one of Nigerias smaller states, and it has a mainly
rural population of 5.2 million. Its people are of varied ethnicity,
and include individuals from such groups as the Igbo, Ikwerre and
Ijaw. The state is therefore characterised by cultural practices
and traditions of different kinds, many of which have great
tourist appeal.
Enterprising and hard-working, the states people are proud of
their abilities in agriculture, fishing, craft, commerce and
industry, and live together peacefully.
Demographics
A glimpse at the numbers
According to the 2006 Nigerian census estimates, Rivers State
has a population of nearly 5.2 million people, who occupy a landarea of 10,575square kilometres. The state therefore accounts
for 3.7% of Nigeria's population, and has a population density of
almost 492 people per square kilometre.
The People of Rivers State
Hardworking and highly skilled
Enterprising and highly skilled, the people of Rivers State are
known to be resourceful, hardworking, sociable, friendly,
accommodating, peace-loving, and law-abiding. This combinationof characteristics enables them to live and work together
peacefully, despite the fact that they are from many different
backgrounds.
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The main occupations in the state are fishing, farming, palm oil
milling and gin distillery. Fishing, in particular, is a traditional
industry, and is an artisanal occupation practised by people living
in the many riverine areas. Farming is also widely practised,
although mainly on a subsistence level.
Secondary occupations include weaving, boat-building, and bead-
making, and many people are employed in various aspects of
commerce and industry. A smaller number are employed in the
civil service.
As there are a number of different ethnic groups in Rivers State,
social and cultural characteristics and practices vary. The Ikwerre
and Ijaw groups, however, have much in common with the Igbo
group that predominates in many of the neighbouring states.
Geographic Distribution
A predominantly rural population
Population distribution in Rivers State is similar to that which
prevails in most other states in Nigeria. Most people live in rural
areas, and dispersed village settlements are the predominant
form of habitation.
The main urban centres in the state are the capital city of Port
Harcourt and the towns of Abonnema, Omoku, Okrika, Oyigbo,
Elele, Ahoada, Obigbo, Buguma, Ogoni, Bori, Degema, Bonny and
Opobo. Most commercial and industrial enterprises are
concentrated in these centres, and migration to the cities is
driven by the availability of work and the potential for career
development.
Again as in much of the rest of Nigeria, there is a near-even
gender distribution in the state, with 51.4% of the population
being male and 46.2% being female (NBS: 2006). Individuals
between 15 and 29 years of age constitute 31.6% of the
population, while those over the age of 70 constitute 2.25%. A
total of 60.8% falls into the 15 to 64 age bracket normally
regarded as the working population, which means that 39.2% of
the population is dependent. Rivers State has a dependency ratio
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of 0.5, which means that one person is dependent on every two
economically-active individuals.
There is a sizeable seasonal migration of workers, with especially
young, able-bodied men migrating to the urban centres during
the dry season, and then returning to the rural areas during the
rainy season. This trend nevertheless has little impact on the
agricultural labour force. This is due to the fact that many
seasonal migrants learn a trade or acquire specialised training in
the urban centres, and then return to the rural areas to practice
their trade or set up an independent enterprise. Many work as
masons, technicians, tractor drivers, carpenters, motor
mechanics and the like.
The riverine areas in the central and western parts of the state
are characterised by low population density, as there is limited
dry and safe land for settlement and agriculture. Over 50% of the
states population is therefore concentrated in eight local
government areas, five of which are in the upland region.
The creation of several new local government areas,
industrialisation and rural-urban migration have all contributed
to the acceleration of urban growth and development in Rivers
State. Despite this, overall urbanisation remains low, with not
many of the states 1,079 settlements having a population of
more than 20,000.
According to the 2006 census, the populations of the main towns
of Port Harcourt, Abonnema, Omoku, Okrika, Oyigbo, Elele,
Bonny and Opobo constitute 28% of the states population. Port
Harcourt alone accounts for 14% of the population, as it is the
states business and industrial hub, as well as its oil refining
centre.
As far as urban-rural gender distribution is concerned, there are
more men than women in the towns and cities, and more
women than men in the rural areas. This is a reflection of the fact
that most seasonal and permanent migrants to the urban areas
are male.
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Languages and Ethnicity
A rich and diverse linguistic and cultural heritage
As in the rest of Nigeria, English is the official language used to
conduct government and private business. Ikwerre, Ijaw and a
colloquial form of English are also commonly used as a means of
communication, as well as for both socio-political and
commercial purposes.
Rivers State has a population of over five million people who
have a rich and unique cultural heritage. Generally known to be
friendly and hospitable, they come from various ethnic groups
including the Kalabari, lkwerre, Okrika, lbani (Bonny and Opobo)
Ekpeye, Ogba, Etche, Khana, Gokana, Eleme, Ndoni, Abua andOdual groups.
Linguistic scholars have grouped these communities into six
linguistic categories, namely ljoid, lgboid, Ogoni, Central Delta,
Delta Edoid and Lower Cross.
The ljoid category is made up of the Kalabari, Bile, Okrika, lbani
and Nkoro dialects spoken in the eastern parts of the state, while
the Igboid or Lower Niger category is made up of such dialects as
Ekpeye, lkwerre, Ogba, Egbema, Ndoni, Etche and lgbo. The
Ogoni category includes a large number of dialects, which aregenerally clustered into four groups, namely Khana, Gokana,
Eleme and Ogoi.
The Lower Cross category, in contrast, is represented by only one
group in Rivers State, with the rest being found in Akwa lbom
State and Cross River State. The language of this group, Obolo, is
spoken in the Andoni and Opobo local government areas.
Ikwerre nevertheless remains the most commonly-spoken
indigenous language in the state.
The various ethnic groups have existed together for centuries,long before the creation of Rivers State. They are currently
distributed across 23 local government areas made up of 250
communities on both the mainland and the offshore islands.
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Religion
A peaceful and religiously-tolerant state
The people of Rivers State are predominantly Christian, but the
Muslim faith and traditional religions are also practiced by a
number of people. The state enjoys religious tolerance and
peaceful coexistence between the different faith groups.
HISTORY AND CULTURE
Rivers State, which was formed in 1967, is defined by both its
pre- and post-independence history. Prior to the advent of
colonialism, there was a high level of social and political diversity
in the region, and this is still reflected in contemporary
institutions and practices.
Traditional beliefs and practices also still inform society today,
and styles of music, dress and cuisine include many
contemporary elements. Traditional culture is nevertheless still
valued and practiced, and cultural attractions and events are
often a drawcard for discerning travellers.
Pre- and Post-Statehood
The state of many rivers
What is today known as Rivers State was part of the Oil Rivers
Protectorate from 1885 to 1893. The name of the protectorate
was derived from the regions prominent role in the palm oil
trade during the colonial era. In 1893, it became part of the Niger
Coast Protectorate and, in 1900, was merged with the chartered
territories of the Royal Niger Company to form the colony of
Southern Nigeria.
After Nigerias independence in 1960, the area that is now Rivers
State was part of what was then the Eastern Region of Nigeria.
When the old regional system was dissolved in 1967, Rivers State
was one of the first new states to be established. Until 1996, it
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included the territory which is now Bayelsa State. Rivers State is
named for the many rivers that border and cross its territory.
Traditional Institutions and Society
Institutions reflect the heritage of diverse ethnic groups
As there are many different ethnic groups in Rivers State, the
social and cultural practices of the people vary. The Ikwerre and
Ijaw groups have much in common with the Igbo group, which
predominates in many of the neighbouring states, while other
groups have different beliefs and practices.
This diversity is reflected in the many traditional structures and
institutions found in the state.
Traditional leadership systems, which are headed up by kings or
elders, are widely practiced in addition to the countrys secular
democracy. These systems include peer age groups, the
traditional priesthood, and groups of first wives, firstborn sons
and firstborn daughters.
A defining characteristic of this system is that villages are
regarded as groups of people rather than as clusters of buildings.
In some cases, extended families or groups with common
interests are organised under a headman, while the village itself
is made up of the various traditional institutions. Symbolically,
the chief or traditional rulers house is distinguishable by the fact
that it is larger and usually more ornately decorated than the
surrounding houses.
This type of settlement pattern reflects the cultural context in
which it exists. Certain spaces in the community are, for instance,
reserved for communal religious practice or seasonal festivals,
while others are set aside for the reverence of local deities.
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Music
A celebration of nature and culture
Although Rivers State is culturally rich and diverse, there are
many similarities in dance and music styles. For instance, similar
musical instruments are used by a number of different groups. In
some cases, these instruments are the same as those used in
other parts of the country, although the context and way in
which they are used may be different.
Similarly, some dance styles are common to all groups.
Handkerchief-waving dance forms are, for example, typical of the
entire Rivers-Bayelsa-Delta axis of states in the south-south zone.
This type of dance is practiced by both genders and by people ofall ages.
Some forms of ceremonial music practiced in the riverine areas
of the state are also practiced throughout the Niger Delta. This
music is used to celebrate the life-giving qualities of water and to
honour river deities.
Apparel
A fusion of traditional and contemporary styles
The typical dress for men in Rivers State consists of a flowing
wrapper or a pair of trousers, which is worn with a large shirt and
a hat, and finished off with a staff. Women usually wear a double
wrapper with a blouse and a matching head scarf. Wrappers are
usually made of George fabric, a thick, silky material printed with
floral motifs.
The dress culture in the state has evolved in a similar way to the
way in which it has evolved in other parts of the country, moving
from fairly scanty traditional clothing to more conservative
clothing with a Western influence. Today, there is a lot of
experimentation with fashion, especially with different
combinations of extravagant fabric.
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Festivals, Arts and Food
Joyful festivals and delicious traditional foods
Traditional culture in Rivers State is characterised by a joyful
array of festivals, ceremonies, dances, music styles and crafts.
Some of the most popular festivals include the fishing festivals in
Kaiama and Amassaona, the yam festivals in Ikwerre and Ogba,
the burial rites and wrestling ceremonies in Degema, and the Iria
puberty and marriage ceremonies of the Kalabaris. The war
canoe displays and boat regattas in Bonny are also amongst the
most important cultural activities in the state, and have great
tourist appeal.
One of the most significant festivals is the annual Egwu Ogba or
New Yam Festival, which is celebrated by the people of the Ogba
kingdom, and which marks the end of their native calendar.
Peace and harmony are emphasised during the festival, which is
held every August, and it is a time of giving to and sharing with
family, friends and neighbours.
Seafood is one of the many delicacies served during festival
periods, especially as many of the states people live on the coast
or in riverine areas. A favourite dish for many is prawns cooked in
palm butter.
Crafts in the state are as diverse as the people, with different
areas being known for weaving, boat-building and bead-making.
Objects made from traditional fired clay and bronze are also
common.
Literature in Rivers State takes both oral and written form. The
oral tradition includes folk tales, legends, myths, proverbs,
riddles, poetry and religious incantations, while written literature
includes the novels and poetry of writers like Elechi Amadi,
Gabriel Okara and the late Ken Saro Wiwa.
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INFRASTRUCTURE AND INSTITUTIONS
SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE
The people of Rivers State set great store by education, and the
development of this sector is a key focus for government. The
state has one of the highest school enrolment rates in the
country, and many tertiary institutions provide opportunities for
school leavers to study further.
Healthcare services are organised to provide primary, secondary
and tertiary care, which is the national standard. As in other
states, primary healthcare is actively supported by international
donor partners. The improvement and development of sport
infrastructure is also important to government, and development
programmes encourage youngsters to participate in sport from
an early age.
Education
Educating for the future
The coastal people of Rivers State had early contact with
European seafarers in the 15th century, but western education
was not introduced till 1864, when the first missionary schoolswere established in Bonny. The first secondary school, Bonny
High School, was established in 1890 by Anglican missionaries,
and later became known as Government College. And by 1916,
primary schools had also been established in Isiokpo, Omoku,
Abua and Okrika.
There are now 1,154 primary schools and 800 secondary schools
in Rivers State (NBS: 2008). Some of these are run by the
government and others, which include schools run by religious
organisations and missionary agencies, are privately owned.
In terms of educational reach, Rivers State has one of the highest
secondary school enrolment rates in Nigeria, with a student body
of 150,000 (NBS: 2008), representing a net enrolment rate of
59.6%. Gender distribution at both primary and secondary level
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is almost equal, and the education of girls is given as much
attention as the education of boys.
There are also a number of tertiary institutions in the state, and
several of these are situated in Port Harcourt. These include the
University of Port Harcourt, which was established by the Federal
Government in 1975; the Rivers State University of Science and
Technology, which was established by the state government in
1980; the School of Health Technology, which was established by
the state government; the School of Nursing and Midwifery; and
the Rivers State College of Arts and Sciences, which was granted
the status of a polytechnic in 2006.
Other tertiary institutions include the federally-run polytechnic
at Omoku; the state-run Rivers State Polytechnic at Bori; the
State College of Education, which has campuses at
Rurnuolumeni, Nkpolu Oroworukwo and Ndele; and the
privately-owned Rhema University in Obeama-Asa.
In order to promote access to tertiary education, the state makes
provision for a number of tertiary-level scholarships. These
enable promising students to study at universities all over the
world.
As far as the adult literacy rate is concerned, this is relatively
high, with 89.3% of adults being literate in at least one language
(NBS-CBN-NCC: 2009). Of these individuals, 51.0% are female and
49.0% are male, with more adults in urban areas being literate
than those in rural areas.
Youth literacy rates are particularly encouraging, with 95.3% of
young adults being literate in at least one language, 52.2% of
which are female and 47.8% of which are male.
As far as educational challenges are concerned, road access to
schools is a significant problem in the state, as is the fact that
there are insufficient teachers in the riverine areas because they
are so inaccessible. Government has, however, been tackling
these issues systematically, and adequate budgetary provisions
are being made to address them.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Port_Harcourthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rivers_State_University_of_Science_and_Technologyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rivers_State_University_of_Science_and_Technologyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rivers_State_Polytechnichttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rivers_State_Polytechnichttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rivers_State_University_of_Science_and_Technologyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rivers_State_University_of_Science_and_Technologyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Port_Harcourt -
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So pressing was the problem in the past, however, that
government was compelled to undertake an entire overhaul of
the sector. Within three years of doing so, 250 new primary
schools and 20 new secondary schools - complete with fully-
equipped libraries, auditoriums and staff facilities - had been
constructed. Each of these secondary schools is the size of a
medium-sized university campus and, in addition to the above
standard facilities, has fully-equipped science laboratories,
theatres, dormitories, sports fields and demonstration farms.
Books and uniforms were also distributed to all school pupils as
part of the states free education scheme, and some 12,000 well-
paid and highly-motivated teachers were retrained in
conjunction with the British Council and Cambridge University.
It is expected that all of these improvements will result in an
overall improvement in education levels in the state, as well as to
an increase in high-quality graduates to drive socio-economic
development.
Health
Free healthcare and extensive healthcare infrastructure
The Rivers State healthcare system is organised to provideprimary, secondary and tertiary care, which is the national
standard. The primary healthcare system is supported by
international development partners, which fund specific projects
in targeted communities, while the state develops human capital
through such institutions as the School of Health Technology and
the School of Nursing and Midwifery, among others.
There is at least one general hospital in each of the 23 local
government areas, and many more in Port Harcourt. In total,
there are 292 public healthcare facilities in the state, including
260 primary healthcare clinics (NBS: 2006). There are also 378
private healthcare centres and well-equipped clinics, most of
which are situated in the urban areas.
With specific reference to HIV/Aids, Rivers State has a multi-
sectoral action committee which coordinates all responses to the
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pandemic. The prevalence rate is 5.4%, and the most common
form of transmission is through unprotected heterosexual sex
(NBS Social Report: 2008). In order to provide the best
preventative information and treatment measures, the state
government has established a number of voluntary HIV
counselling and testing (HCT) centres, as well as several outlets
for the supply of anti-retroviral (ARV) therapy.
In the area of immunisation, the latest available statistics show
that 62.7% of all children under the age of five have been fully
vaccinated, while only 9.4% have not been vaccinated at all (NBS-
CWIQ Survey: 2006). Through the intensive sensitisation and
mobilisation of mothers, religious leaders, community leaders
and key influencers, as well as the dedicated commitment of
healthcare staff, routine immunisation against the six killer
diseases most common in West Africa has increased significantly
in recent years. The infant mortality rate nevertheless remains
relatively high, mainly due to the fact that the facilities for
managing complications arising from pregnancy and childbirth
are poorly equipped and under staffed.
A clean water supply is, of course, essential to public health, and
it is estimated that about 48.6% of households in Rivers State
have access to safe water through piped water systems,
boreholes, hand pumps or protected wells. Of these, 68.4% are in
urban areas and 44.2% are in rural areas. Further, 43.8% of
households have access to safe sanitation, either in the form of
flush toilets or in the form of ventilated improved pit (VIP)
latrines.
In addition, there is a free healthcare programme in place in the
state, although there are still too few primary healthcare
facilities to meet current needs. This issue is receiving urgent
attention.
Human Development
Poverty and living conditions remain key challenges
The NBS-CWIQ Survey of 2006 indicates that about 67.0% of
households in Rivers State classify themselves as poor, and that
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30.7% have difficulty in satisfying their food needs. This is more
pronounced in the urban areas, as many households in the rural
areas practice subsistence agriculture in order to meet their
requirements.
Despite the fact that government is committed to attaining the
targets specified in the United Nations Millennium Development
Goals (MDGs), Rivers State - like all other states in Nigeria - is still
a long way from achieving them.
Poverty, gender equality, universal primary education and
environmental sustainability remain daunting challenges, and
both child and maternal mortality rates remain high. In addition,
the HIV/Aids pandemic has neither been halted nor reversed.
And while living standards have been improved in the rural areas,
a great deal still needs to be done in order to achieve the goals
defined in the MDGs.
Women and Youth
Working to empower women and young people
There are more than 2.5 million women in Rivers State,
accounting for 48.6% of the states population. They therefore
represent and important economic factor, especially as a large
number of agricultural workers are women.
As in all other states in Nigeria, women and young people are an
important focus in terms of meeting the objectives defined in the
Millennium Development Goals. Laws discriminating against
women are therefore in the process of being reformed, providing
for their full participation in public life, social development and
the mainstream economy.
Female participation in public decision-making nevertheless
remains low, but this is changing as womens groups act as
catalysts. Programmes aimed at developing and advancing
women and young people are also being implemented
throughout the state, and many of these focus on improving
their income-generating capacity.
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Harnessing the skills of the youth remains a significant challenge,
though, not only because young people make up such a large
proportion of the population, but also because of increasing
youth militancy. Government is working hard in this area, but
there is also the need for greater entrepreneurial participation in
training and skills development.
For governments part, it has established a special committee
called the Rivers State Social Rehabilitation Committee (RSSRC)
to address some of the challenges posed by restlessness,
militancy and violence amongst the youth. The committee is
tasked with trying to address such issues as armed conflict,
kidnapping, piracy and various other forms of criminal activity,
which have contributed to the unrest in the state in recent years.
Sport
Passionate about sport
The people of Rivers State are passionate about sport, so
promoting sports development is naturally high on governments
agenda. Providing suitable facilities for sportspeople to develop
and hone their skills has therefore been a key strategy, and this
has paid dividends on many fronts.
The state has, for instance, produced many award-winning
athletes, including Taribo West, who was a member of the
national soccer team. It has also produced two team captains.
Like soccer, wrestling is very popular, and attracts both men and
women. Not only is it seen as a competitive sport, but also as a
means to exercise and to contribute to traditional celebrations.
Wrestling competitions in the villages, which are usually refereed
by an elder, attract many interested spectators.
POLITICAL STRUCTURES AND INSTITUTIONS
As in all of the other states in Nigeria, there are three levels of
government in Rivers State: the Executive, the Legislature and
the Judiciary. There is also the Traditional Authority which,
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although it does not have a constitutional function, exercises
considerable influence on governance and society.
The Executive is headed up by the democratically-elected
Governor, who is supported by the Deputy Governor and the
Secretary of State Government. Various ministries are tasked
with implementing government programmes in such areas as
justice, economic planning, agriculture, commerce, industry and
tourism.
State Executive
Policymakers at work
The executive arm of government, headed by the Governor, hasthe statutory responsibility of administering the state. It is also
responsible for formulating policies and programmes through the
State Executive Council, Rivers States highest policy-making
body.
The council is chaired by the Governor, who is assisted by the
Deputy Governor, and it includes the commissioners of all the
ministries, as well as the Secretary of State Government and the
Head of Service. Both the Governor and the Deputy Governor are
elected, while the other officials are appointed.
The office of the Secretary of State Government is the states
official secretariat, and it coordinates the activities of the various
ministries, directorates and extra-ministerial departments.
Government ministries are charged with the responsibility of
implementing government policies and programmes. In Rivers
State, these include the ministries of Agriculture; Budget;
Commerce, Culture and Tourism; Education; Energy;
Environment; Finance; Health; Housing; Information and
Communication; Justice, Land and Surveys; Local Government
Affairs; Power; Social Welfare; Special Duties; Sport; Transport;
Urban Development; Water Resources; Womens Affair; Works;
and Youth Development.
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The ministries are run by the various commissioners, who are
responsible for providing policy direction, while the day-to-day
administration of government or the bureaucracy is handled by
civil service officials. They serve under permanent secretaries,
who also fulfil the function of chief accounting officers.
Rivers state is divided into 23 local government areas to facilitate
effective and efficient governance. These are Port Harcourt;
Ogba, Egbema and Ndoni; Ahoada; Ikwerre; Etche; Andoni and
Opobo; Bonny; Okrika; Iyigbo; Ehana; Gokana; Tai and Eleme;
Obio and Akpor; Emohua; Degema; Asari Toru; Akuku Toru; Abua
and Odial; Omumma; Opobo and Nkoro; Ogu and Bolo; Ahoada
East; Ahaoda West; and Eleme. Each is governed by a
democratically-elected local government council.
Legislature
Of the people, by the people and for the people
A House of Assembly constitutes the legislative arm of
government, and is responsible for law-making and executive
oversight. All the members of the state legislature are elected by
their various constituencies. The leadership of the legislature is
made up of the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Majority Leader,
Minority Leader, Majority Whip and Minority Whip. The Clerk of
the House of Assembly is responsible for the bureaucracy.
The states House of Assembly is made up of 32 members
representing the following constituencies: Abua and Odual,
Ahoada East 1, Ahoada East 2, Ahoada West, Akuku-Toru 1,
AkukuToru 2, Andoni, Asari Toru 1, Asari Toru 2, Bonny,
Degema, Emohua, Eleme, Etchie 1, Etchie 2, Gokana, Ikwerre,
Khana 1, Khana 2, Obio-Akpor 1, Obio-Akpor 2 (comprising Ogba,
Egbema and Ndoni), Onelga 1, Onelga 2, Ogu-Bolo, Okrika,
Omuma, Opobo-Nkoro; Oyigbo, Port Harcourt 1, Port Harcourt 2,
Port Harcourt 3, and Tai.
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Federal Legislative Representation
National representation
In the National Assembly (Nigerias central legislature), Rivers
State is represented by three members in the upper chamber
(the Senate) and ten members in the lower chamber (the House
of Representatives).
In the Senate, the state has representation for the greater areas
of Rivers East, Rivers South West and Rivers North. In the House
of Representatives representation by area is as follows: Abua-
Odual and Ahoada East; Ahoada West, Ogba, Egbema and Ndoni;
Degema and Bonny; Akuku-Toru; Asari-Toru; Okirika and
Ogubolo; Opobo, Nkoro and Ndoni; Eleme, Tai and Oyigbo;Khana and Gokana; Ikwerre and Emohua; Etche and Omuma;
Obio Akpor; Port Harcourt 1; and Port Harcourt 2.
Judiciary
Justice guaranteed
The judiciary is vested with the power to interpret the law and
dispense justice, and consists of the High Court and the
Customary Court of Appeal. States are also empowered to
establish magistrates and customary courts. The Chief Judge
heads the High Court, while the Customary Court of Appeal is
headed by its president.
There are High Courts in Port Harcourt, Degema, Bori, Ahoada,
Omoku, Isiokpo, Nchia, Okrika, Okehi, and Oyigbo. In addition,
there are magistrates courts in 27 locations and customary
courts in 26 locations.
Traditional Governance
Integrating traditional values and culture
Traditional institutions include a state council of traditional
rulers, a structure which is found in all of the other states in
Nigeria. These traditional institutions are tasked with the
responsibility of ensuring peace, as well as of preserving and
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promoting the culture and traditions of the states people. The
council also advises both local and state governments on
traditional affairs.
Political Parties and Other institutions
Parties and civil society organisations play critical roles
All of the major political parties that participated in the 2011
general elections in Nigeria are represented in Rivers State, and
the current governor is a member of the Peoples Democratic
Party (PDP).
The state also has a local branch of the Nigeria Labour Congress,
which represents the interest of workers, and is home to localchapters of civil society groups such as the Civil Liberties
Organization (CLO).
Civil society organisations (CSOs), including community-based
organisations (CBOs), non-government organizations (NGOs), and
faith-based organisations (FBOs) all play critical roles in the state.
Geopolitical Environment
A proud member of the south-south cluster of states
Rivers State is one of the states catered for by the Niger Delta
Development Commission (NDDC), which was established by the
Federal Government in 2000. The commission also caters for the
states of Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Ondo
and Imo, and each receives an additional percentage ofNigerias
oil revenue in compensation for hosting oil production activities.
The Governor is a member of a semi-official regional grouping
called the South-South Governors Forum, which deliberates on
issues of common interest to the six southern states.
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BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY
DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL
The government of Rivers State is succeeding in blazing a new
trail as far as peaceful socio-economic transformation is
concerned. This is being done through the systematic provision
of necessary infrastructure and social amenities; strategic
diversification of the states economy; insightful preparation for
the future; and focused efforts aimed at improving the business
environment.
Infrastructure restoration and development has, in particular,
received great attention in recent years. New roads, bridges,
hospitals, clinics and schools have been built throughout the
state, and urban areas have been significantly improved. This,
together with improvements in the supply of potable water and
electricity, means that the state has great development potential
in all sectors.
Developing Infrastructure
Creating a framework for development
The state government recognises that there cannot be
meaningful socio-economic development without suitable
infrastructure. A number of on-going road construction,
rehabilitation and expansion projects are therefore in progress at
local, state and federal level. The aim of these projects is to
provide improved access to the states rural areas, improved
traffic flow in urban areas, and more attractive surroundings
along roads and freeways.
Infrastructure development has been a key focus for some time
now, and new roads, bridges, schools and hospitals have been
built throughout the state. Major projects that have been
completed include the Eliozu flyover, the Oil Mill Eleme Junction
flyover and shopping complex, the Rumuwoji-Mile One Market,
the Ogoni-Opobo Unity Road, and the Trans-Kalabari Highway.
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Other projects that have already been completed include the
conversion of several major roads into dual carriageways.
Amongst these are the road from the International Airport at
Omagwa to the Rivers-Imo border at Owerri; the old Aba road;
the road between Mile 3 and the International Airport Road; and
the University of Port Harcourt Road, which includes a flyover
bridge at Choba. Streetlights have also been installed along all of
the major roads in the capital and other urban areas, and many
rural roads have been constructed in various local government
areas.
A landmark project currently in the planning stage is a 125-
kilometre, six-lane ring road around the city of Port Harcourt,
which will include two cable-stayed bridges, and will be known as
the Greater Port Harcourt Arterial Ring Road. The project, which
is budgeted to cost US $1 billion, will be built by a public-private
partnership entered into for this purpose.
Other key projects in the planning phase include the multi-
million naira Entertainment Centre, which will also be built by a
public-private partnership, and a new ultra-modern market in the
new Port Harcourt Layout near Borokiri.
In order to facilitate this development, the state government has
made considerable efforts to improve the supply of potable
water, which is expected to have a positive impact on both public
health and the effectiveness of the healthcare system.
Healthcare infrastructure has received considerable attention
too, and this has been expanded to support the states free
medical scheme, as well as to improve overall healthcare
standards. Major projects already completed include the Niger
Hospital, the Delta Clinic, the UST Hospital, the Mother and Child
Hospital and the 1,000-bed Mega Hospital, all of which has been
made possible through public-private partnerships. In addition,
there are plans in place for the construction of 160 primary
healthcare centres, and many of these have already been
completed.
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In the education sector, a number of state-of-the-art primary and
secondary schools, which can compare with the best anywhere in
the world, have been constructed throughout the state.
The state is also engaged in renovating existing government
buildings, and constructing new government offices and housing
in order to improve service delivery and the morale of staff. As
testimony to its commitment in this area, government recently
built 1,000 housing units within six months in Port Harcourt, and
is currently working on similar developments in other parts of
the state.
In the area of ICT and electricity, government has recorded
modest successes in its efforts to increase teledensity and to
provide a better operating environment for telecommunications
operators. It has also intensified its rural electrification drive by
distributing transformers to agricultural communities in order to
ensure that they can be connected to the national electricity grid.
These efforts are all expected to stimulate economic growth and
development.
On the sports front, the state government has been steadily
developing sports facilities in order to ensure that sportspeople
have reasonable opportunities to develop their skills and to
prepare for competitive engagement. This has led to an
increasing interest in sport and physical development in Rivers
State.
Diversifying the economy
Focusing on diversification in both rural and urban areas
As a part of its strategy for attracting investment and facilitating
economic development, government has entered into a number
public-private partnerships. It has, for instance, partnered with
Songhai International, which is based in the Republic of Benin, toestablish a number of model farms at Bunu Tai in Ogoniland.
These are modelled on the Songhai farms in the Porto Novo area
in Benin.
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The Songhai/Rivers Initiative (SRI) is designed to be a robust,
integrated model, and is aimed at promoting growth in the
states agricultural sector through technology adaptation,
research and training that has a strong business focus. Young
people from all 23 local government areas have completed the
18-month training programme at Songhais headquarters in
Benin, and have specialised in various agricultural and agri-
business subjects. Many of them hope to start their own
businesses in their home communities with the support of SRI.
Economic development in the states urban areas is receiving
equal attention from government. In early 2009, it announced
plans for the development of a new city to be called the Greater
Port Harcourt City. This is to be located near Port Harcourt
International Airport and, when completed, is expected to have a
significant economic impact.
Work has also recently commenced on a monorail transportation
system, which has been designed to alleviated the significant
transportation problems in the capital. It is the first project of its
kind to be undertaken on the African continent.
With projects and programmes like these in place, the state is
well positioned for economic growth.
Preparing for the future
A vision of sustainable development
Rivers State has a clear vision and, in order to translate this into
reality, the state government has embarked on a number of far-
reaching initiatives. These include reforming and restructuring
government and its institutions, supporting the development of
the private sector, generating employment, re-affirming social
values, and eliminating poverty in line with the objectives
defined in the United Nations Millennium Development Goals
(MDGs). Collectively these objectives form the cornerstone of the
Rivers State Economic Development Strategy, and a dedicated
agency has been set up to facilitate their implementation.
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The Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) is a
strategic initiative of the state government, and provides a
platform off which sustainable development can be pursued in a
planned way. Operating within an autonomous legal framework,
its mandate is to re-focus the states efforts in the areas of
poverty alleviation, grassroots empowerment and youth
development.
In order to execute its mandate, the RSSDA uses a partnership
model that enables it to tap into the experience and benefit from
the support of such organisations as the World Bank, USAID,
DFID, NNPC, SPDC, NDDC, and even other agencies within the
state government itself.
As part of the implementation process, the state government has
not only constructed the Trans-Amadi Industrial Layout, but also
a new industrial estate at Ahoada. Both are intended to alleviate
congestion at Port Harcourt and to facilitate development in
neighbouring towns and villages.
The Songhai farms at Bunu Tai in Ogoniland are also part of this
focus on sustainable development. These farms, modelled on the
Songhai farms in Porto Novo in Benin, are centres for agricultural
training, production, research and the development of
sustainable agricultural practices.
The Songhai/Rivers Initiative (SRI) is an updated and larger
version of the Songhai model in Porto Novo. The project was
conceptualised in 2008, with the objective of providing a
sustainable livelihood for people living in both the states rural
areas and urban slums. With Songhai International as a technical
partner, the SRI is working towards changing perceptions about
agricultural enterprise, and towards enabling the people involved
to become economically self-reliant.
The SRI aims to develop new systems and approaches to farming
that draw on local experience and indigenous knowledge on the
one hand, and on business principles and scientific research on
the other. The result is a robust, integrated model that promotes
rural growth through training, technology adaptation and a
strong focus on commercialisation.
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In a parallel effort to boost the fishing industry, government has
acquired five trawlers, which have been leased to a local fishing
company. These will be used not only for fishing, but to train
fishermen as well.
Through projects like these, government is not only promoting
infrastructural and economic development, but good resource
management as well. And as testimony to this, the global rating
agency, Standard and Poors, has recently revised Rivers States
rating upwards from stable to positive.
Improving the Business Environment
A favourable operating environment for business and industry
Informed by its vision, Rivers State is actively working to create a
favourable environment for both local and foreign investment.
Government is, for instance, rapidly rehabilitating and
developing infrastructure, and is working to create an enabling
environment for business. It has also undertaken extensive
reform in the civil service in order to ensure better service
delivery. This is being done in consultation with qualified
technocrats, who regularly monitor policy implementation and
assist with fine-tuning the states policy framework.
Government has a favourable land use policy too, and facilitates
the prompt allocation of plots of land for potential investors.
Above all, it consistently aims to ensure transparency in all areas
of government, which it recognises is essential in order to sustain
a favourable investment environment.
These are some of the reasons why Rivers State is generally
regarded as such an attractive destination for investors. This
especially as it actively supports collaboration between the
public and private sectors.
The state government has, for instance, partnered with First
Bank to build Rainbow Town. It has also signed a memorandum
of agreement with the Silverbird Group for the construction of a
new shopping complex, complete with a park and a conference
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centre of international standard. In terms of this agreement,
Silverbird will contribute N16 billion to the project, and Rivers
State will earn 20% of all profits once it is complete.
Other incentives for investors and developers include tax
holidays and tax incentives, and new businesses are eligible for
participation in the states Pioneer Status Scheme. This is
designed to assist newly-established businesses and industries to
navigate the start-up phase successfully.
The state is also close to achieving self-sufficiency in terms of
power generation, with the phased completion of the
Independent Power Project, and it has secured an uninterrupted
supply of potable water in the major urban areas.
Further, recognising that the security of people and property is
important for successful socio-economic development,
government actively supports the state police by providing
vehicles and the modern communications equipment needed to
combat crime. By working closely with the states security
agencies, it is working to provide a peaceful, stable and secure
environment. As a result, life in Port Harcourt has largely
returned to normal after incidents of militancy in the past, and
there is growing evidence that stability and business confidence
have been restored.
All of these developments are creating a more favourable
operating environment for large-scale industry, especially for oil
refineries, petrochemical plants, manufacturers, oil service
industries and liquefied natural gas producers. This, in turn, is
having a positive impact on economic growth and development.
SECTORAL ANALYSIS
The oil and gas sector is the largest economic sector in Rivers
State, but there are also many well-developed business and
industry sectors, as well as a comprehensive financial services
sector. A vibrant small and medium enterprise sector offers
many opportunities too, and provides a wide range of goods and
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services. The state is therefore and attractive investment
location for both local and foreign investors.
Telecommunications, ICT, transportation, infrastructure, housing
and utilities have all been targeted for development and present
great investment potential. Government aims to create an
enabling operating environment for business and industry, and is
entering into many public-private partnerships in order to
facilitate social and economic development.
Mining and Industry
The heart of the Nigerian oil industry
Rivers State is the nerve centre of the Nigerian oil industry, andmany large corporations and multi-nationals operate within its
borders. These include, amongst others, the Shell Petroleum
Development Company Limited, AGIP, Texaco, Elf, Michelin,
West African Glass Industry, Alcan Aluminium, Metaloplastica,
Risonpalm, NAFCON and Pabod Breweries. In terms of
infrastructure, there are two large refineries and two major sea
ports located in the state, as well as many industrial estates,
particularly in the capital.
As it is at the heart of the hydro-carbon industry, Rivers State is
responsible for a substantial proportion of the nation's foreign
exchange earnings. For instance, it accounts for over 48% of
crude oil produced onshore, and for all liquefied natural gas
exports. It therefore has the second largest economy in Nigeria
after Lagos State.
Rivers State also boasts a wealth of agricultural and mineral
resources, which provide the raw materials for industries large
and small. The many agricultural products being produced here
include rubber, timber, rope, palm oil, palm kernels, cassava and
a wide range of fresh vegetables. Raw materials being produced
for industry include petrochemicals such as carbon black and
polypropylene, as well as petroleum gas, natural gas, bitumen,
and a host of others.
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One of governments key objectives is to provide a favourable
operating environment for business and attractive opportunities
for potential investors. This, together with its focus on
revitalising government-owned industries, is expected to boost
job creation and to provide work for states many young people
in particular.
Telecommunications and ICT
Ensuring competitiveness in the Information Age
The telecommunications sector has shown a marked
improvement since 2001, when the federal government
deregulated it. The state now has some of the best
telecommunications infrastructure in the country, and it istherefore only natural that it is home to a significant number of
foreign nationals and multinational corporations. In addition,
government is in the process of implementing a programme to
provide world-class information technology training for the
states people to enable them to become and remain
competitive in the Information Age.
The private sector has also boosted development through
participation in both the installation of digital lines and the
establishment of a mobile communications system. These
initiatives support governments target of providing the states
population with greater access to the benefits of
telecommunications.
In order to facilitate development in the sector, the state
provides affordable land for telecommunications development,
and offers attractive incentives for investors. It is also working
hard to improve the reliability of the electricity supply, which is
essential to success.
As a result of these efforts, mobile phone penetration is high,
with 92.6% of the population owning or having access to a
mobile (NBS/CBN/NCC: 2009). On the less positive side of the
equation, 77.9% of the population does not own or have access
to a personal computer, and 87.9% of the population does not
have access to the internet.
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Transportation
Working hard to boost transportation efficiency
The Rivers State capital of Port Harcourt, which is known as
Garden City because of its unusual topography and attractive
layout, is easily accessible by road, rail, air and sea. It has one of
the busiest airports in Nigeria, is a major railway terminus, and is
also home to the countrys second largest sea port.
In order to boost transportation efficiency both within and
beyond the states borders, government has embarked on a
number of integrated initiatives. These include programmes to
upgrade public transport facilities, as well as to improve andexpand transport infrastructure.
As far as public transportation is concerned, government has
acquired a fleet of new buses and taxis, which will be managed
by the Rivers State Transport Corporation (RTC). The RTC was set
up to facilitate transportation both within the state and to other
parts of the country. There are also many private transport
companies, including ABC Line, Crystal Line, Edo Line and Chisco,
which provide transportation to cities across the country, and
there is an integrated mass transport programme in the state,
which is open to public-private partnership.
With regard to infrastructure, the state government and various
local government areas have embarked on an extensive road
rehabilitation and expansion programme in order to provide
better access to roads throughout the state. Many rural roads
traverse several local government areas, which means that they
are a significant part of the road transportation network.
New and improved rural access roads are being provided in order
to facilitate the movement of agricultural markets and to
enhance access to markets
In the area of rail transportation, there are only 22 kilometres of
rail within the boundaries of Rivers State, and this is maintained
and operated by the federal government. It is part of the eastern
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network that links Port Harcourt with some of the other states in
the south-eastern region, as well as with the cities of Nguru,
Kaduna, Jos and Maiduguri in the north.
Once the states mono rail system has been completed, though,
the area covered by rail in Port Harcourt and to neighbouring
towns will increase. This new system will ease transportation
pressure in the city, and facilitate the transportation of goods
and people from other parts of the state to the capital.
Water transportation is, of course, as important in Rivers State as
road transportation, since two thirds of the states land area lies
within the Niger Delta. Government has therefore put a lot of
effort into improving ferry services throughout the state.
As far as aviation is concerned, the Port Harcourt International
Airport, Omagwa, is one of the three major international airports
in the country. It was commissioned in 1978 and covers an area
of approximately 40 square kilometres. It has the facilities to
accommodate all types of aircraft, and is used for both local and
international flights.
Housing and Utilities
Housing the people of Rivers State
Government endeavours to provide entry-level housing to
complement the more expensive housing being built by private
sector real estate firms and by individuals. The state government
therefore frequently invests in the housing sector, with the
objective of providing reasonably-priced housing for as many of
the states people as possible.
By way of example, 1,000 standard housing units were built
within a six-month period in Port Harcourt alone. More have
been constructed in the city and in other parts of the state since
then.
Housing is therefore one of the sectors in which great investment
potential exists, especially as there are a significant number of
people who are able to take up mortgages. There is, however, a
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need for government to develop a framework that will allow
indigenous investors to participate in the sector more effectively.
This will go a long way towards addressing the issue of access to
financing, which has so far been a barrier to housing
development.
In terms of utilities, government is systematically introducing an
efficient waste management system. It is fully aware how
important it is that the Garden City lives up to its name. It has
therefore invested in several modern waste management
systems, as well as in a number of state-of-the-art waste disposal
vehicles. Government commitment to waste management is
evident in its attempts to ensure that the urban areas in Rivers
State are models of cleanliness.
Government is also actively engaged in urban renewal, and
understands that this depends on the development and
implementation of well-defined urban land use plans. These
need to provide for adequate recreational facilities, an efficient
transport network, serviced industrial sites, and reliable water,
electricity, health and educational infrastructure. Government is
also enlisting the participation of the private sector in
infrastructure development through a number of public-private
partnerships, and is promoting a culture of good maintenance of
public facilities.
As in other parts of Nigeria, the electricity supply infrastructure is
unfortunately inadequate. Since 1999, there has, however, been
a concerted rural electrification drive to encourage the
development of small and medium enterprises and the creation
of jobs, as well as rural-urban drift.
Government has also embarked on a number of Independent
Power Projects (IPPs), and when all energy projects are fully
operational, it is expected that the power supply situation in
Rivers Sate will improve considerably. This, it is hoped, will be a
catalyst for growth and development.
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Agriculture
A successful and profitable sector
Agriculture is the principal occupation in Rivers State, and it
provides employment for school leavers and graduates alike. The
states agricultural policy is based on large-scale food production,
and the sector is divides into four schemes: the Community Block
Farming Scheme, the Community Fishing Scheme, the Livestock
Scheme and the Rabbit Farming Scheme.
Governments flagship agricultural development programme is
the Songhai/Rivers Initiative (SRI), which is modelled on the
original Songhai programme in the Porto Novo region of Benin.
This is the cornerstone of the states overall agricultural
development programme.
As over 70% of the farmland in the state consists of farms of
under two hectares in size, the SRI focuses on the development
of smallholder farmers who engage in subsistence farming, as
well on the development of commercial farms that generate
substantial levels of income.
The SRI is a successful and lucrative venture. Its farm in
Ogoniland, for instance, produces 400 crates of eggs valued at
N240,000 per day. This means that the farm earns around
N7 million a month or N80 million a year from a single form of
produce only. Once other produce is factored into the equation,
the picture is even more positive.
Trade
A robust commercial centre
Trade in Rivers State benefits from its proximity to the south-
eastern states, where there is a great deal of commercial activity.
It has a robust history of trading, and Port Harcourt washistorically a centre for trade in such commodities as palm oil
and building materials. While these sectors continue to flourish,
trade in the city is now dominated by oil and allied industries.
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Tourism
Historical, cultural and natural attractions abound
Rivers State has great tourism potential, as it features a beautiful
coastline, a number of cultural sites, unique rivers and rich
aquatic life.
With Its long, sandy beaches, which stretch from Opobo through
Brass to Koluama; its many winding creeks; its streams and
rivers; its wildlife and its forests and their associated shrines, the
state has many areas that are suitable for tourism development.
It is also fertile ground for the development of cultural tourism,
as there are many festivals, ceremonies and dances on theannual calendar. Music and local crafts feature prominently too,
and cultural life is as diverse and varied as the legendary
hospitality of the states people.
For the discerning tourist, historical monuments, artefacts and
war relics are of great interest, as the region was a major centre
for the slave trade in the mid-nineteenth and early twentieth
centuries.
With all of this to offer, the states Tourism and Hotels
Corporation, which was established in 1970, has recentlyembarked on a number of tourism projects.
Of note are the Isaka Holiday Resort, situated on a 23-hectare
island just one nautical mile off the coast from Port Harcourt; the
zoo in Trans-Amadi; and the Isaac Boro Leisure Park along Aba
Road in Port Harcourt. Other significant projects on the go
include the renovation of the Jubilee Park in the Old Township,
and the establishment of a museum in the Secretariat Complex.
The Podium Block in the complex is, in itself, an icon. An 18-
storey building, it has the tallest building in the south-south and
south-east geopolitical zones.
All of these projects have been developed as a social service in
order to provide sightseeing and recreation for residents as well
as visitors.
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Other main tourist attractions include the Monument of King Jaja
of Opobo; the Okrika Aquatic Stadium; Ifoko Beach; and the Port
Harcourt Tourist Beach.
Environment
A focus on urban rehabilitation and rural development
The preservation, restoration and beautification of the states
urban areas is high on governments agenda. It has therefore
mapped out a number of urban renewal strategies, and is in the
process of implementing these.
As part of this drive, it is undertaking various projects aimed at
making the states urban areas more attractive. Monuments are
being renovated and remodelled; overgrowth is being cleared
and replaced with lawns and flowers; walkways are being paved;
and trees and shrubs are being planted on road medians.
Unfortunately, past development activities in the state did not
give sufficient attention to conservation and environmental
protection, so there are many challenges to be addressed. These
include various levels of deforestation, bush burning, over-
cropping, soil erosion, water pollution, air pollution, biodiversity
loss, and indiscriminate disposal of both liquid and solid waste.
The master plan of Port Harcourt was, for instance, seriously
violated by people jostling to acquire residential properties. As a
result, many houses were built over drainage channels, and
whenever it rained, blockages were common.
In order to deal with this situation, government undertook the
planning and construction of a network of comprehensive
drainage systems in all urban centres, which allow for efficient
stormwater drainage and which prevent flooding. The newsystems also mitigate against the germination of disease-bearing
germs and fungi, which thrive on stagnant water.
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Government is also making a concerted effort to tackle the
significant problem of erosion in the state, which it is doing in
cooperation with the federal government.
Of course, it recognises the intricate relationship between
human activities and the environment, and takes this into
account in all aspects of its planning. It is also deeply committed
to taking remedial action in areas where such problems as
flooding, gully erosion and improper solid waste disposal have
existed in the past. Its vision is to build a state in which
environmental conservation is an integral part of the
development process, and it is slowly turning this ideal into a
reality. The reclamation and stabilisation of the numerous gully
and erosion sites, in particular, is being given special attention,
despite the fact that it is a difficult and resource-consuming
undertaking.
Specific environmental preservation initiatives being planned for
and implemented include improvements to oil- and gas-
producing installations in order to enhance the quality of life of
adjacent communities; greater enforcement of the regulations
applying to the oil and gas industry, in order to reduce the
incidence of environmenta