FG, Rivers sign tourism MoU for sustainable investments

A significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the federal government and Rivers State to foster the development of culture, tourism, and the creative economy within the oil-rich state. This partnership is expected to unlock sustainable investment opportunities, revitalize the local economy, and contribute to increased state revenue.

The agreement, signed on July 27, 2026, at the Government House in Port Harcourt, aims to reposition Rivers State for enhanced investment in its cultural and tourism sectors. Governor Siminalayi Fubara emphasized that the MoU will specifically promote the vast ecotourism prospects found in the Andoni Local Government Area and other parts of the state. Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Mrs. Hannatu Musawa, highlighted that the "Renewed Hope Cultural Project" will leverage Rivers State's rich cultural and tourism potential to expand investments in the sector.

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While I welcome this move like every member of my constituents – the Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency, I’m particularly delighted that my years of struggle and relentless efforts in drawing the attention of government, national and international development agencies to the cultural and tourism potentials of our people is gradually paying off.

Awaji-inombek Abiante, the member representing the Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency, hailed the partnership, expressing particular delight that his long-standing efforts to draw attention to his constituency's cultural and tourism potential are now paying off. He believes the MoU will revolutionize culture and tourism in his area. Abiante noted that a center to be established in Opobo town will serve as a research hub for the historical studies of the ancient town and the entire Niger Delta region.

Abiante also recalled his previous engagements with development partners, including consistent communication with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation since 2017, regarding the exploration of tourism prospects in the Andoni Local Government Area. He pointed to the abundant wildlife, including elephants, natural beaches, and serene mangroves within the Andoni environment as significant tourism assets that this agreement will help unlock.

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as envisioned, the centre to be sited in Opobo town will not only serve as research centre for historical studies of the ancient town but of the entire Niger Delta and beyond.