News
Rivers Ranks Third In IGR
Rivers State has recorded N57.3billion, representing -11.2 percent to clinch the third position in the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) index of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for the half-year running from January through June, 2021.
This means that the state dropped by 11.2percent from its record in the last assessment by the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
In the Annual State Viability Index (ASVI) 2020, Rivers ranked second, generating N117,189,729,245.29, representing 58.9per cent of Federation Account Allocation grossing N198,872,359,463.64.
The total revenue generated over the six-month period amounts to N849.2billion, representing an increase of +38.5per cent half-year year-on-year.
A breakdown shows that the North-East generated N42.9billion; North-West N79.1billion; South-Eat N52.2billion; North-Central N133.3billion; South-South N156.2billion; and South-West N385.4billion.
Maintaining the top spot is Lagos with N267.2billion, representing +30.7per cent in the 2021 half-year year-on-year report; and quickly followed in the second place by the FCT, which raked in a cumulative N69.1billion for the same period.
In the ASVI 2020 report, Lagos hit top spot in IGR with N418,988,587,897.11, representing 139.9per cent of FAA, grossing N299,574,277,490.98; while FCT generated N92,059,700,897.42, representing 306.8per cent of gross FAA at N30,003,717,459.53.
Ogun generated N54.8billion, representing increase of +131.5percent; Delta N41.9billion, representing increase of +36.0per cent; Kaduna hit N26.4billion, representing a rise of +81.6per cent; while Oyo generated N25.2billion, representing an increase of +41.7per cent over the period under review.
Between January and June, 2021, Akwa Ibom generated N18.1billion, up +11.6per cent; Ondo hit N17.9billion, up +31.8per cent; Edo got N17.6billion, an increase of +25.9per cent; and Kwara scooped N16.1billion, representing +70.7per cent year-on-year.
While Kano dropped in revenue generation to N15.1billion, representing -14.0per cent; other states such as Cross River got N14.8billion, representing an increase of +83.3per cent; just as Plateau raised its revenue generation capacity to N14.5billion, representing +53.9per cent for the six-month period.
Also, Enugu hit N14.1billion, representing +15.3per cent; Osun got N13.7billion, representing +52.6per cent; Anambra raked in N12.8billion, representing +33.8per cent; while Imo generated N9.99billion, representing +29.2per cent year-on-year record.
Other states that recorded upward revenue swing are Borno, which got N9.81billion, representing an increase of +82.4per cent; Kogi with N9.61billion, representing +29.3per cent; Nasarawa, with N9.50billion, representing +61.1per cent; Bauchi, with N9.47billion representing +64.6per cent; and Jigawa with N9.33billion, representing a dramatic upswing of +210.3per cent, year-on-year account.
Sokoto got N8.41billion, representing +82.9per cent; Zamfara N8.40billion representing +18.6per cent; Niger N7.93billion representing +97.3per cent; Ebonyi N7.75billion representing +22.5per cent; Abia N7.55billion representing +22.0per cent; and Katsina N7.49billion, representing +35.3per cent.
In the same six-month revenue generation profile, Kebbi squeezed in N7.66billion representing +67.2per cent; Benue N6.71billion representing +25.5per cent; Ekiti N6.59billion representing +105.5per cent; Bayelsa N6.42billion representing +19.1per cent; Adamawa N6.09billion representing +62.3per cent; Gombe N5.44billion representing +43.6per cent; Taraba N4.77billion representing +17.6per cent; and Yobe N4.03billion representing +2.7per cent.
Statistics reveal that only two states: Rivers and Kano recorded drop in revenue generation with the six-month period; while 34 states and FCT witnessed increase in generation capacity.
By: Nelson Chukwudi
News
Group Hails Tinubu, Chinda Emergence
The 23 For OK & P-BAT Movement, a political pressure group championing the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the governorship ambition of Honourable Ogundu Kingsley Chinda across the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections, has congratulated both leaders on their victories at the recently concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries.
In a statement issued by the National Coordinator, Amb. Goodluck Braide, who also doubles as the President of the Renewed Hope Multi-Purpose Co-Operative Limited, President Tinubu’s victory at the APC presidential primaries in Rivers State was described as a reflection of his growing popularity and acceptance among Nigerians. The group noted that since assuming office in 2023, the President has implemented bold economic reforms aimed at repositioning the country for sustainable growth, prosperity, and national development.
According to the group, the outcome of the primaries is an indication of what to expect in the 2027 general elections.
The group also congratulated Honourable Ogundu Kingsley Chinda on his emergence as the APC governorship flag bearer in Rivers State, describing the primary election process as peaceful, transparent, free, and fair. It stated that Chinda’s emergence signals increasing political unity among Rivers people across ethnic and political divides.
According to the movement, the APC made a strategic and wise decision in presenting Chinda as its governorship candidate, citing his leadership experience, competence, charisma, and proven capacity as qualities that position the party for victory in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

Amb. Goodluck Braide, National Coordinator
The statement further acknowledged the role of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, praising his political foresight, resilience, and commitment to maintaining unity within the political structure in Rivers State while ensuring the state remains relevant in national politics.
The group equally commended the leadership of the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentanwe Yilwatda, noting that under his leadership since July 2025, the party has witnessed renewed strength, unity, and political growth ahead of the 2027 elections.
It also congratulated the people of Rivers State and Nigerians generally for their continued support and confidence in the Tinubu administration, which it said has made notable progress in promoting national cohesion, social integration, and economic development.
News
Rivers Govt Hails Anglican Church’s Role In Peace, Development
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
News
Shell, MAN Back Rivers’ Drive For Expanded Gas Supply To Industries
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
