Rivers Economic Summit: Fmr NNPCL Chief, Adokiye Tombomieye Urges Gov Fubara To Be Strategic In Planning

Former Executive Vice President (Upstream) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Engr. Adokiye Tombomieye, has urged Governor Sim Fubara to be intentional in planning so as to create a self-sufficient Rivers State.

Tombomieye made the call at the just-concluded 2-day Economic Summit in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

Delivering a keynote address at the event, Adokiye Tombomieye, specifically commended Governor Fubara for hosting the strategic meeting, stressing the need for intentional planning to create a self-sufficient Rivers State.

He urged the governor to focus on how to harness the state’s youthful population, prevailing employment mindset, as well as stagnant industrial zones, expressing concern specifically over the shift of International Oil Companies (IOCs) away from swamp operations which has led to the stagnation of industrial zones like Trans Amadi and Witt & Bush.

Tombomieye, emphasized the importance of drawing lessons from the past while embracing innovation and forward-thinking strategies to propel Rivers State towards a prosperous and sustainable future.

“I am persuaded that the Government recognizes the fact that it is its responsibility, like those before now, to create a society that benefits all. Perhaps, the Governor and his economic team read Adrienne Enns, who stated; “Intentional days create a life on purpose.” This sentiment resonates deeply as we consider the path forward for Rivers State”, he enthused.

Giving an insight to how the state had evolved over the years, Tombomieye postulated that Rivers State has undergone four major phases of deliberate development planning throughout its history, each significantly impacting its growth.

According to him, the first stage was, the British colonial government implemented a strategic plan, followed by the Eastern Nigeria government’s regional plan. Then, the old Rivers State was established, and most recently, the Greater Port Harcourt Plan was launched, revitalizing the state’s development trajectory, he added.

He noted that these cycles have collectively shaped the state’s progress and continue to influence its future.

The former NNPCL Chief, however proposed six actionable strategies for economic empowerment, including comprehensive roadmap development, streamlined land ownership processes, infrastructure enhancement, agricultural revitalization, enhanced security measures, and environmental audit and conservation partnership.