The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ibas, has called for the thorough enforcement of public-private partnership (PPP) agreements across the state’s seaports to enhance economic performance and development.
Speaking in Port Harcourt on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by the House of Representatives Committee on Public Assets, led by Chairman Ademorin Kuye, Ibas stressed the significance of strong oversight and adherence to agreements in the maritime and industrial sectors.
Ibas noted that despite Rivers State’s strategic position in maritime activities, as well as its involvement in oil, gas, and related industries, inadequate regulatory structures, poor accountability, and conflicting interests have hindered business progress.
He pointed out that some major facilities, including the Onne Port Complex, certain oil and gas service zones, and parts of the Nigerian Ports Authority infrastructure, are currently operating under PPP arrangements.
According to him, while a few of these partnerships have led to improved capacity and revenue generation, others have fallen short due to weak enforcement and oversight.
To address these issues, Ibas called for a thorough review of the assets to assess their current condition and guide future decisions. He also urged the National Assembly to play a key role in reforming existing PPP structures by promoting transparency, monitoring compliance, and ensuring effective supervision.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration with institutions such as the National Assembly to fulfill his administration’s objectives and reposition the state for growth and stability.
In his remarks, Committee Chairman Kuye explained that the purpose of their visit was to inspect federal assets, evaluate their usage, and assess PPP contracts in locations such as Port Harcourt, Ibeto, and Onne.
He added that the committee would be working in partnership with agencies like the ICPC and EFCC to ensure asset disposal and management serve the interests of the Nigerian people.