Map of Nigeria showing the location of Port Harcourt in Nigeria. Ralph Moore, Chief Oju Daniel Kalio and William Harcourt signed the 1913 agreement for the area now known as Port Harcourt.
Port Harcourt (Nigerian Pidgin:Po-ta-kot orPi-ta-kwa) is a port city, capital and largest city ofRivers State in Nigeria.[14] It is thefifth most populous city inNigeria afterLagos,Kano,Ibadan andBenin.[15][16] It lies along theBonny River and is located in the oil richNiger Delta region. As of 2023, Port Harcourt's urban population is approximately 3,480,000.[17] The population of themetropolitan area of Port Harcourt is almost twice its urban area population with a 2015United Nations estimate of 2,344,000.[18] In 1950, the population of Port Harcourt was 59,752.[19] Port Harcourt has grown by 150,844 since 2015, which represents a 4.99% annual change.[20]
Port Harcourt's economy turned topetroleum[23] when the first shipment of Nigerian crude oil was exported through the city in 1958.[24] Through the benefits of theNigerian petroleum industry, Port Harcourt was further developed, with aspects of modernization such asoverpasses,city blocks, and taller and more substantial buildings.[3] Oil firms that currently have offices in the city includeShell andChevron.[25] with Agip Company.[26]
During theFirst World War, Port Harcourt was used as a point for military operations against theCentral Powers inGerman Kamerun.[3][37] After the discovery of crude oil inOloibiri in 1956, Port Harcourt exported the first shipload from Nigeria in 1958. Port Harcourt became the center of the Nigerian oil economy[38] and it subsequently reaped benefits of its associations with the petroleum industry by undergoingmodernization andurbanization.[3] Port Harcourt's growth is further due to its position as the commercial center and foremost industrial city of the formerEastern Region; its position in the Niger Delta; and its importance as the center of social and economic life in Rivers State. After the Republic ofBiafra seceded from Nigeria in 1967 Port Harcourt fell to Nigerian forces on 19 May 1968. From an area of 15.54 km2 (6.00 sq mi) in 1914, Port Harcourt grew uncontrolled to an area of 360 km2 (140 sq mi) in the 1980s.[39]
Population density and low elevation coastal zones in the Port Harcourt region. Port Harcourt is especially vulnerable tosea level rise.
The main city of Port Harcourt is the Port Harcourt City in thePort Harcourt local government area, consisting of the former European quarters now calledOld GRA and New Layout areas. The urban area (Port Harcourt metropolis), on the other hand, is made up of the local government area itself and parts ofObio-Akpor andEleme accordingly.[40] Port Harcourt, which is the current capital of Rivers State, is highly congested as it is the only major city of the state. In 2009, a law was passed by theRivers State House of Assembly and Governor Amaechi's administration to spread development to the surrounding communities as part of the effort to decongest the Port Harcourt metropolis. TheGreater Port Harcourt region, spans eight local government areas that include Port Harcourt,Okrika,Obio-Akpor,Ikwerre,Oyigbo,Ogu–Bolo,Etche andEleme. Its total population was estimated at 2,000,000 as of 2009, making it one of the largest metropolitan areas in Nigeria. But that number has greatly increased according to recent studies.[41]
Port Harcourt features atropical monsoon climate (Köppen:Am) with lengthy and heavyrainy seasons and very shortdry seasons. Only the months of December to February truly qualify as dry season months in the city. Theharmattan, which climatically influences many cities inWest Africa, is less pronounced in Port Harcourt. Port Harcourt's heaviest precipitation occurs during September with an average of 367 millimetres or 14.45 inches of rain. December on average is the driest month of the year, with an average rainfall of 20 millimetres or 0.79 inches. Temperatures throughout the year in the city are relatively constant, showing little variation throughout the course of the year. Average temperatures are typically between 25 and 28 °C (77.0 and 82.4 °F) in the city.
The yearly temperature in Port Harcourt is 26.55 °C (79.79 °F) and it is -2.91% lower than Nigeria's averages. Rivers typically receive about 330.36 millimeters (13.01 inches) of precipitation and has 304.91 rainy days (83.54% of the time) annually.
Residents of the city have been experiencing particle (soot) pollution since the last quarter of 2016.[44] Residents state their clothes and everything outside is covered with a layer of black soot.[45] OfficialPM2.5 information from the state's environmental commissioner,Roseline Konya, states a high reading of 270micrograms per cubic meter forair pollution in the city from a 2016 sampling.[46] According to the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) indexair quality index (AQI), a reading of 0 – 50 is good, readings between 200 – 300 which Port Harcourt falls under is considered unhealthy for everyone and E.P.A advises residents of such areas to avoid heavy and prolonged exertion, and move activities indoors.[47] "For a 15-month period ending in June [2018] ... air quality was in the unhealthy range on 240 days, with 85 days ranking very unhealthy, and 13 days ashazardous."[46]
The increaseddeterioration of ambient air quality led to a state protest in February 2017. There were experiences of black soot settling in nostrils, on cars, floors, roofs, windows, bathtubs, bathrooms, kitchen sinks and household furniture surfaces resulting in frequent cleaning of affected surfaces and places. potable, domestic and rainwater were equally affected. Abuloma, Iwofe, Rupokwu,Okrika, and Woji were mostly affected with other areas such as Rumuigbo, Eleme, andOyigbo Local Government Councils, as well asOgoni.[44][48]
The covering of the haze of soot in most parts of the city has resulted in visibility impairment by PM2.5, soil, and water deposition, and disruption inecosystem diversity. This also made the city dwellers spend more time indoors than outdoors. Residents in cities such as Rumosi and Rumuodumanya inObio/Akpor Council have relocated to other safe cities leading to a decline in business activities.[44][49]
The Ministry of Environment took action by analysing air samples from various sites in the city and found out to be 11 times higher thanWHO specifications for PM2.5 and PM10. This non-compliance was tackled by shutting down the Chinese Government Company (CGC), H&H Engineering Company, and AUC Asphalt Company located in the Aluu community, found to be the location of high volume discharge of emissions thereby contravening environmental regulations. Illegal refineries, burning of tires,gas flaring,liquefied natural gas (LNG) operations and processes,petro-chemical companies and refineries were other suspected sources of sootpollution.[44][48]
Some of Port Harcourt's more popular and well-known residential areas are known as Port Harcourt Township (or just "Town"),GRA (Government Reserved Area) phases 1–5,Elekahia, Rumuomasi,D-line,Elelenwo,Eliozu, Iboloji, Ogbunabali, Rumuola, Rumuigbo, Mgbuoba,Diobu, Woji, Amadi Flats, Umuchitta,Rumuokoro andBorikiri. The main industrial area is located inTrans Amadi, Abuloma.
Port Harcourt is a major industrial centre as it has a large number ofmultinational firms as well as other industrial concerns, particularly business related to thepetroleum industry. It is the chief oil-refining city in Nigeria and has two mainoil refineries located at Eleme. Both refineries process around 210,000 barrels of crude oil a day, both operated by thePort Harcourt Refining Company.[50][51] Rivers State is one of the wealthieststates in Nigeria in terms of gross domestic product and foreign exchange revenue from the oil industry, crude oil being its principal export earner.Microapartment architecture is quite common in certain parts of Port Harcourt. The Point Block of Rivers State Secretariat is an icon of the city. An 18-story building, it is the tallest building in the Southeast and South-South geopolitical zones combined.
ThePort Harcourt Book Festival, formerly known as Garden City Literary Festival remains one of the city's most important and popular events since its inception in 2008. Established by the government ofChibuike Rotimi Amaechi, the yearly gathering improves local literacy levels, promotes reading habits among denizens, and benefits exhibitors seeking a wider audience.[56] Throughout its annual run, Port Harcourt Book Festival has hosted renowned publishers such asHeinemann, Learn Africa Plc, Africana First Publishers and EPP Books Services. The festival currently continues to draw writers, literary connoisseurs, booksellers and publishers from every walk of life to the city.[57] In July 2012,UNESCO,IPA, IBF andIFLA named Port Harcourt theWorld Book Capital for the year 2014, making her the 14th city in the world to be selected as World Book Capital and the first in Black Africa.[58][59]
Aside from being the oil capital, Port Harcourt is also known for its vibrant late-night activities and entertainment scene. There are severalpublic houses, lounges, clubs, dance bars and restaurants spread out around the city. Partyers and revellers tend to spend a chunk of their night time atNew GRA, where most of the bars and high-end nightclubs are located. Uptempo and club-friendly music can be heard in nearly every corner of the city at night. There have been increases insex-oriented businesses including strip clubs and brothels.
Port Harcourt city has produced great musicians[62] in the likes ofRex Lawson during jazz, highlife and old skool days.
Award-winning Nigerian musicianDuncan Mighty also popularly known as Port Harcourt's First Son.[63] Duncan Mighty is known for his hit song "Port Harcourt Son".[64]
Grammy winnerBurna Boy was born and raised in Port Harcourt. He speaks of Port Harcourt in his song titled "Ph City Vibration".
Timaya afro singer was born and raised in Port Harcourt City. He accolades the city in his album
Award winning International singerOmah Lay was born and raised in Port Harcourt
Ajebo Hustlers the duo singers were raised in Port Harcourt
Duncan Daniels London-based artiste also grew up in Port Harcourt
Singer and actressMuma Gee highlights the city's scenes and culture in her song "Port Harcourt Is Back".[65]
Reggae-fusion singer Slim Burna sang a song called "Port Harcourt Boy" from his 2013 releaseI'm on Fire.[66][67]
In the filmBlood and Oil, which tells the tale of two British women and their unusual journey to the hinterland of the Niger Delta, the main character Alice Omuka travels to Port Harcourt, where she learns of the kidnapping of foreign oil workers.[68][69]
Port Harcourt is a location in the Blessing Uduefe-directed movieThe Green Eyed. The movie also premiered in the city.[70]
Girls Hostel, a Nollywood movie filmed in Port Harcourt helped catapult actressesMary Uranta andEmpress Njamah into stardom.[71][72]
Several institutions of tertiary education in Port Harcourt offer a wide range of professionally accredited programmes and qualifications. Most of these institutions are publicly funded, while others are run by private entities. TheUniversity of Port Harcourt was ranked sixth in Africa and first in Nigeria byTimes Higher Education in 2015.[73] The federal government owned university has its main campus at Choba district.
Media in Port Harcourt consists largely of print, online blogs, social media and broadcast. Information is generally disseminated to the public through radio, television, newspapers, magazines and the Internet. The government owns a number of the existing communications media, although, some private media is permitted. As a regulatory authority, theRivers State Ministry of Information and Communications is responsible for overseeing the entire broadcasting system, as well as promoting competition and ensuring the provision of qualitative services throughout the city. Since English is much more popular in the country's urban areas, media content such as publications, news, radio and television programmes are available mostly in the English language.[75]
In print media, the largest-circulated daily newspaper published in Port Harcourt isThe Tide. It is state-supported and has an online version. Another popular newspaper is the weekly tabloidNational Network which is owned by local politicianJerry Needam.[76] Additionally, other noteworthy papers likeThe Neighbourhood published by Nativity Communications Company andThe Newswriter published by Writers House have begun competing for market presence and are both headquartered in the metropolis.[57][77][78]
Radio is an important mass medium in these parts. Not only has it become a strong source of news and entertainment, it is also wide reaching and has proved a cheap means to reach a mass audience. Many of Port Harcourt's radio stations are in private hands with just a few are state owned.Radio Rivers, founded 1981 offers programs in English and various indigenous languages. Its operator is the Rivers State Broadcasting Corporation (RSBC).[79] As of December 2013, more than 5 local FM stations some of which were privately owned by media conglomerates Silverbird Group, South Atlantic Media, Globe Broadcasting and Communications and The Multimesh Company were already commercially licensed.[80]
There is an international airport,Port Harcourt International Airport on the outskirts of the city, aNigerian Air Force (NAF) base which is the location of the only other airport used by commercial airlines Aero Contractors, Caverton Helicopters and Bristow Helicopters for domestic flights, two seaports (FOTOnne, Port Harcourt Wharf).
Port Harcourt is home to one of the most popular soccer clubs in Nigeria and Africa, theRivers United F.C. In September 2019, the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, unveiled a plan to launch a football academy in cooperation with the Spanish giants, theReal Madrid football club. The academy was to be known as theReal Madrid Academy. 18 months later, the academy was commissioned by the governor and the national sports minister, Sunday Dare.[81]
Port Harcourt is the leading hub for medical services inRivers State. Many healthcare facilities including hospitals and research facilities are located in Port Harcourt.[82] The city has a prominent tertiary health institutionUniversity of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) is situated on East West Road.[83]
The Port Harcourt Water Supply and Sanitation Project aims to deliver sustainable water supply to the people of Port Harcourt and Obio-Akpor local government areas. The project is the first phase of the rehabilitation of the old Port Harcourt water supply system and its extension to new areas of the city. It involves the rehabilitation and upgrade of the stations in Rumuola, increasing its current capacity to 187,000 m3 (6,603,843 cu ft) per day.
In Rivers State, Water sector and utility reforms were initiated in 2009 and included the enactment of the Rivers State's Water and Sanitation Policy 2012[87] and the enactment of the Rivers State Water Sector development law #7of 2012.[88]
The policy and Law provided for the creation of specialized institutions for service delivery. Key agencies include the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RWSSA), the Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation (STWSSA), the Port Harcourt Water Corporation (PHWC), and the Rivers State Water Services Regulatory Commission.
Port Harcourt Water Corporation (PHWC) was established pursuant to the Water Sector Development Law #7 of 2012 to replace the former Rivers State Water Board and to ensure the provision of potable drinking water and wastewater treatment services. The corporation formally took off in September 2014 with the recruitment of the pioneer managing director, Kenneth Anga with a mandate to convert it to a self-sustainingpublic service corporation.
Under the leadership of former GovernorChibuike Amaechi, plans was announced for the creation of a new city to be called Greater Port-Harcourt City.[89] The new city is to be located at the outskirt of Port Harcourt close to thePort-Harcourt International Airport.[90] The total coverage area for the Greater Port Harcourt city development is about 1,900 km2 (730 sq mi) spanning eight local governments inRivers State, including Ogu Bolo, Eleme,Ikwerre, Etche, Obio Akpor, Okrika.
The Authority (GPHCDA) was established by law in April 2009 with a mandate to facilitate the implementation of the Greater Port Harcourt master plan and build the new city.[91]The Authority is led by an administrator, Dame Aleruchi Cookey Gam, supported by a pioneer management team comprising the Secretary to the authority and Board, Silva Opusunju, Director Finance Aaron Obelley, Director Administration (Permanent Secretary) MI Tella, Director Public Affairs Kenneth Anga, Director Legal Justice Nwobike, Director Projects Edmund Altraide, Director Development Control Sir Ngozi Worgu.
The Greater Port Harcourt city hosted several of the events at the 17th national sports festival tagged "Garden City Games".
^Urban area:Demographia (January 2015).Demographia World Urban Areas(PDF) (11th ed.).Archived(PDF) from the original on 5 August 2011. Retrieved7 September 2016.
^"Contact Us".theneighbourhoodonline.com. Nativity Communications Company. Archived fromthe original on 5 June 2014. Retrieved17 August 2014.
^"About The Newswriter".Thenewswriterng.com. Writers House Printing and Publishing Company. 22 September 2011.Archived from the original on 3 August 2014.
^"Radio Rivers At 33".The Tide. Port Harcourt: Rivers State Newspaper Corporation. 7 May 2014.Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved23 August 2014.
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