SOLAD Reveals Plans For Rivers
Edith CHUKU
While receiving members of the House Committee on Public Assets from Nigerian House of Representatives, on Wednesday, the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has revealed some of his plans for the state.
Ibas made these revelations when he urged the National Assembly to continue to support him in his plans to reposition the state.
Addressing the visitors who were led by the chairman of the committee, Mr Ademorin Kuye, accompanied by a delegation of staff of Nigerian Ports Authority NPA, the sole administrator lamented that years of neglect, vandalism and under-utilization had left many of public assets in dire need of rehabilitation and strategic realignment.
According to him, Rivers State serves as a critical hub for maritime, oil and gas, and other industrial activities in Nigeria, yet has been subjected to numerous challenges in the infrastructure landscape.
Ibas noted that, “among the assets currently operating under Public- Private Partnership framework in the state are the Onne Ports Complex, various Oil and Gas service zones and certain segments of the Nigerian Ports Authority facilities.
“While some of these partnerships have yielded appreciable results in enhancing operational capacities and boosting revenues, others remain underperforming due to weak regulatory frameworks, lack of accountability and conflicting interest between stakeholders
“A comprehensive assessment of these assets is therefore, essential to determine their current state and chant a clear path forward.
“I believe that the National Assembly, through this Committee, is well positioned to help fine-tune existing Public-Private Partnerships arrangement by ensuring greater transparency, adherence to contractual obligations and improved monitoring mechanisms.
“We must work together to ensure that these partnerships truly deliver value for money and serve the best interest of our people. It is also important to emphasise the significant of this oversight visit in evaluating the state of critical infrastructure in our state.
“In the past few weeks, our administration has prioritised the stabilisation of the state’s security environment and the peaceful resolution of the political conflicts that had threatened to erode public trust and economic progress.
“Through consultations, peace-building engagements and coordinations with security agencies, we have taken deliberate steps to restore normalcy and strengthen the fabric of unity in Rivers State.
“As we look to the future, the success of our administration’s mandate will largely depend on sustained collaboration and the support of institutions such as yours.”
Further, Ibas called on the National Assembly to “continue supporting us in our effort to reposition Rivers State on the path of peace, progress and prosperity.
“We count on your expertise and your legislative support as we work to enhance value of federal assets in the state, improve service delivery and stimulate economic growth.”
Speaking on the visit, the sole administrator told the committee that, “your presence here today is not only timely, but also instructive as it underscores the commitment of the National Assembly to ensuring the efficient use and effective management of federal assets across the federation.
“Permit me to begin by expressing my heartfelt gratitude to the Chairman of the Committee for the kind words of encouragement and unweaving support.
“Your visit to Rivers State, and particularly to the facilities of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NOA) in Port Harcourt Area is timely and significant, given the strategic importance of the Ports to our national economy, and the pressing need to revitalize them.
“We are equally happy by the continued support of the National Assembly to the wellbeing of our state and its people.
“Your dedication, especially in the challenging period, following the declaration of the State of Emergency in our dear state by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, is deeply appreciated.
“It is in this context that your visit assured added relevance, and it provides an opportunity for an on-the-spot assessment of key federal assets, particular those under Public-Private Partnership, Lease-holdings and Concession Agreements.
“Distinguished Committee members, Rivers State, as you are all aware, serves as a critical hub for maritime, Oil and Gas, and other industrial activities in Nigeria.
“Yet we continue to grapple with numerous challenges in our infrastructure landscape.
“Years of neglect, vandalism and under-utilization have left many of our public assets in dire need of rehabilitation and strategic realignment.
“Your visit today rekindles our hope that together, we can overcome the challenges we face and unlock the vast potentials of Rivers State for the benefit of all Nigerians.”
