Rivers State

Treasure 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

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

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.

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 of Port 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 0 0 zone of Nigeria. It is located between latitudes 4 20 and 5 50' N 0 0 and longitudes 6 20 and 7 35 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.

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-south geopolitical 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 Trade Zone, 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

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

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 25 C 0 0 to 28 C, while the average annual temperature is 26 C. 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 0 and the wet season is only about 2 C. 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 for agricultural 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.

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 welldeveloped 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 by protecting 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

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, hydro electric 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 gasproducing 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 land area of 10,575 square 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 combination of 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 beadmaking, 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 and Odual 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 are generally 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 of all 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 schools were 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.

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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 fullyequipped 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 wellpaid 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 provide primary, 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 multisectoral 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 (NBSCWIQ 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, has the 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: AbuaOdual 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 local chapters 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 of Nigerias 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 125kilometre, 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 multimillion 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, to establish 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 agribusiness 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 farreaching 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, and many 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 is therefore 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 and expand 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 southeastern states, where there is a great deal of commercial activity. It has a robust history of trading, and Port Harcourt was historically 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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The consumer sector is also flourishing, and Port Harcourt features many supermarkets, hypermarkets and shopping malls, where just about everything is available. Many of these cater to affluent shoppers, especially foreigners who have come to do business in the state. Others, however, cater for the needs of everyday consumers, and take their needs into account. In surrounding communities and in other areas of the state, small-scale trading is more common. Banking and Finance An active, development-focused financial services sector In recent years, a number of banks and financial institutions have opened their doors in Rivers State to cater for business and industry, particularly for the growing oil and gas sector. They also cater for the states large population of expatriates and its many multinational corporations. All of Nigerias commercial banks are represented in Rivers State, especially in Port Harcourt. The financial services sector is focused mainly on financing the oil, gas and allied industries; various trade activities; and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). In fact, government has a number of policies in place that are aimed at assisting SMEs with access to financing, and this effort is supplemented by several non-governmental agencies (NGOs) Microfinance banks are also well represented, and the state has a microfinance agency too, which was established to address some of the imbalances in the funding of small and micro enterprises. The agency provides loans at preferential interest rates for small-scale entrepreneurs who wish to set up or expand their businesses. It is anticipated that the efforts by monetary authorities to bring about more favourable borrowing terms will provide even better access to financing for businesses of all sizes, and will benefit both the state and the Nigerian economy as a whole.

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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 the annual 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 recently embarked 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 18storey 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, overcropping, 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 new systems 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 gasproducing 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 environmental degradation; efforts to reduce the incidence of gas flares; the introduction of an efficient state-wide waste management system; systematic planning for sustainable development; the introduction of environmental education programmes for households and firms; stricter enforcement of urban development and building regulations; stricter enforcement of environmental legislation and by-laws; the reclamation and rehabilitation of mature gully sites; the inspection and maintenance of all urban drainage systems and flood routes; and the planting of trees and shrubs.

End.

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