Port Harcourt

{{Short description|City in Rivers State, Nigeria}} {{About|the city|the local government area of the same name|Port Harcourt (local government area)|other uses|Port Harcourt (disambiguation)}} {{Redirect|Diobu|the neighbourhood|Diobu, Port Harcourt}} {{Use British English|date=September 2017}} {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2017}} {{Infobox settlement | name = Port Harcourt | official_name = | native_name = {{ubl|{{nativename|pcm|Po-ta-kot / Pi-ta-kwa}}|{{nativename|ikw|Rebisi}}}} | settlement_type = Metropolis | image_skyline = {{multiple image |perrow = 1/2/2 |border = infobox |total_width = 300 | image1 = Pitakwa.jpg | caption1=Port Harcourt Skyline | image2 = The umbrella show (8020627013).jpg | caption2=Mile One Market | image3 =The Port Harcourt Tower.jpg | caption3 =Port Harcourt Tower | image4 = MG Vowgas Fabrication Yard.jpg | caption4 =Trans Amadi | image5 = Port Harcourt - State Secretariat building.jpg | caption5 =State Secretariat Building }} | imagesize = 270px | image_caption = | image_flag = | image_seal = Port_Harcourt_City_Coat_of_Arms.jpg | nicknames = PH-City, P.H.<ref name="tidenews2013">{{cite news|url=http://www.thetidenewsonline.com/2013/11/22/celebrating-port-harcourt-at-100/|location=Port Harcourt, Nigeria|title=Celebrating Port Harcourt At 100|date=2013-11-22|access-date=2014-03-29|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140503165815/http://www.thetidenewsonline.com/2013/11/22/celebrating-port-harcourt-at-100/|archive-date=3 May 2014|newspaper=The Tide}}</ref> and Garden City<ref name="Williams"/><ref name="rough guide">{{cite book|title=The rough guide to West Africa |first1=Jim |last1=Hudgens |first2=Richard |last2=Trillo |page=1075 |edition=4 |publisher=Rough Guides |year=2003 |isbn=1-843-53118-6 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VW0490G1ie8C&pg=PA1075}}</ref> | map_caption = Map of Nigeria showing the location of Port Harcourt in Nigeria. | pushpin_map = Nigeria | coordinates = {{coord|4|49|27|N|7|2|1|E|region:NG-RI|display=it}} | subdivision_type = Country | subdivision_name = Nigeria | subdivision_type1 = State | subdivision_type2 = LGA(s) | subdivision_name1 = Rivers | subdivision_name2 = Port Harcourt<br />Obio-Akpor | established_title = Founded | established_date = 1912 | established_title2 = Incorporation | established_date2 = 1913<ref name="rough guide"/> | named_for = Lewis Vernon Harcourt | government_type = Mayor–Council | governing_body = Port Harcourt City Council | leader_title = Mayor | leader_name = Ezebunwo Ichemati<ref name="P.H mayor">{{cite news|url=http://goal.com/en-ng/news/4093/nigeria/2013/06/08/4034233/mayor-of-port-harcourt-becomes-dolphins-no-1-fan|title=Mayor of Port Harcourt becomes Dolphins' No. 1 fan|date=2013-06-08|work=Goal.com|publisher=Perform Group|access-date=2014-03-29|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707185640/http://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/4093/nigeria/2013/06/08/4034233/mayor-of-port-harcourt-becomes-dolphins-no-1-fan|archive-date=7 July 2015}}</ref> | unit_pref = | area_footnotes = <ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.citypopulation.de/php/nigeria-admin.php?adm1id=NGA033 | title=Rivers Population Statistics | publisher=City Population.de | access-date=7 September 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160331183735/http://www.citypopulation.de/php/nigeria-admin.php?adm1id=NGA033 | archive-date=31 March 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.ajol.info/index.php/njp/article/download/118447/107983 | title=Feeding Patterns of Children in Day Care Centres of Port Harcourt Metropolis | date=11 May 2015 | access-date=7 September 2016 | author=Agbedeyi | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202084400/http://www.ajol.info/index.php/njp/article/download/118447/107983 | archive-date=2 February 2017 }}</ref> | area_total_km2 = 369 | area_land_km2 = 360 | area_water_km2 = 9 | area_water_percent = | area_urban_km2 = 158 | area_metro_km2 = 1900 | area_note = | elevation_footnotes = | elevation_m = | population_total = 1,005,904 | population_as_of = 2006 census | population_est = 1,148,665 | pop_est_as_of = 2019 | population_footnotes = <ref name="pop">Summing the 2 LGAs Port Harcourt as per:<br />{{cite web|url=http://www.nigerianstat.gov.ng/nbsapps/Connections/Pop2006.pdf |title=FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA : 2006 Population Census |access-date=25 July 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305101910/http://www.nigerianstat.gov.ng/nbsapps/Connections/Pop2006.pdf |archive-date=5 March 2012 }}</ref><ref>Urban area: {{cite book|author1=Demographia|title=Demographia World Urban Areas|date=January 2015|edition=11th|url=http://www.demographia.com/db-worldua.pdf|access-date=7 September 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805030244/http://www.demographia.com/db-worldua.pdf|archive-date=5 August 2011}}</ref> | population_density_km2 = auto | population_urban = 1,865,000 | population_density_urban_km2 = auto | population_metro = 3,636,000 <ref>{{cite web | url=https://worldpopulationreview.com/cities/nigeria/port-harcourt | title=Port Harcourt 2024}}</ref> | population_density_metro_km2 = auto | population_demonym = Portians<ref name="Port Harcourt People">{{cite web|url=http://www.nigeriansinamerica.com/articles/4757/1/Port-Harcourt-PDP-Rally-Stampede-Irregular-Or-Deregulated-Police-Action/Page1.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140625195229/http://www.nigeriansinamerica.com/articles/4757/1/Port-Harcourt-PDP-Rally-Stampede-Irregular-Or-Deregulated-Police-Action/Page1.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 June 2014|title=Port Harcourt PDP Rally Stampede: Irregular Or Deregulated Police Action?|last=Arizona-Ogwu|first=L.Chinedu|publisher=Nigerians In America|date=16 February 2011|access-date=25 June 2014}}</ref> | population_note = | postal_code_type = Postcode | postal_code = 500<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nipost.gov.ng/PostCode.aspx |title=Nipost Postcode Map |publisher=Nigerian Postal Service |access-date=2010-10-28 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121126042849/http://www.nipost.gov.ng/postcode.aspx |archive-date=2012-11-26 }}</ref> | area_code = 02084<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.itu.int/dms_pub/itu-t/oth/02/02/T020200009C0002PDFE.pdf|title=Nigeria (country code +234): Communications of 1.XI.2023 and 6.XI.2023|publisher=International Telecommunication Union|access-date=2 May 2026}}</ref>{{force singular}} | website = | footnotes = | timezone = WAT | utc_offset = +1 | blank_name = Climate | blank_info = Am | demographics_type1 = GDP (PPP, constant 2015 values) | demographics1_footnotes = | demographics1_title1 = Year | demographics1_info1 = 2023 | demographics1_title2 = Total | demographics1_info2 = $34.4 billion<ref name="TelluBase">{{cite web|url=https://tellusant.com/repo/tb/tellubase_factsheet_nga.pdf|publisher=Tellusant|title=TelluBase—Nigeria Fact Sheet (Tellusant Public Service Series)| access-date = 2024-01-11}}</ref> | demographics1_title3 = Per capita | demographics1_info3 = $9,900 }}

'''Port Harcourt''' {{Audio|Port Harcourt.wav|(audio)}}({{Langx|pcm|Po-ta-kot}} or {{lang|pcm|Pi-ta-kwa}}, formerly {{Lang|ig|Igweocha}}) is a port city, capital and largest city of Rivers State in Nigeria.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Port Harcourt {{!}} Location, Facts, & Population |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Port-Harcourt |access-date=2022-03-04 |website=Encyclopædia Britannica |language=en}}</ref> It is the fifth most populous city in Nigeria after Lagos, Kano, Ibadan and Benin.<ref name="world">{{Cite web|title=Population of Cities in Nigeria (2021)|url=https://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/cities/nigeria|access-date=2021-11-19|website=worldpopulationreview.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Nigeria: cities with the largest population 2021|url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/1121444/largest-cities-in-nigeria/|access-date=2021-11-19|website=Statista|language=en}}</ref> It lies along the Bonny River and is located in the oil rich Niger Delta region. As of 2023, Port Harcourt's urban population is approximately 3,480,000.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://worldpopulationreview.com/world-cities/port-harcourt-population | title=Port Harcourt Population 2023 }}</ref> The population of the metropolitan area of Port Harcourt is almost twice its urban area population with a 2015 United Nations estimate of 2,344,000.<ref name="UN Urbanization Prospects 2018">{{Cite web|title=World Urbanization Prospects 2018. Annual Population of Urban Agglomerations with 300,000 or more|url=https://population.un.org/wup/DataQuery/|access-date=2023-01-19|website=population.un.org}}</ref> In 1950, the population of Port Harcourt was 59,752.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Macrotrends {{!}} The Long Term Perspective on Markets |url=https://www.macrotrends.net/ |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=www.macrotrends.net}}</ref> Port Harcourt has grown by 150,844 since 2015, which represents a 4.99% annual change.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Port Harcourt, Nigeria Metro Area Population 1950–2021|url=https://www.macrotrends.net/cities/22018/port-harcourt/population|access-date=2021-11-19|website=macrotrends.net}}</ref>

The colonial administration of Nigeria created the port to export coal from the collieries of Enugu located {{convert|151|mi|km|order=flip}} north of Port Harcourt,<ref name="easternline">{{cite book|title=The Nigeria handbook |author=Nigeria, Chief Secretary's Office |edition=10 |page=83 |location=Eastern Line |publisher=Government Printer, Lagos|year=1933}}</ref> to which it was linked by a railway called the Eastern Line, also built by the British.<ref name="Williams">{{cite book|title=Nigeria: The Bradt Travel Guide |first=Lizzie |last=Williams |page=200 |year=2008 |publisher=Bradt Travel Guides |isbn= 9781841622392|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fwuQ71ZbaOcC&pg=PA200}}</ref><ref name="easternline"/><ref>{{cite book|title=Geographical Regions of Nigeria |url=https://archive.org/details/geographicalregi0000udor |url-access=registration |first=Reuben K. |last=Udo |page=[https://archive.org/details/geographicalregi0000udor/page/85 85] |publisher=University of California Press |year=1970}}</ref>

Port Harcourt's economy turned to petroleum<ref>{{Cite web |title=Port Harcourt |url=https://www.dentons.com/en/global-presence/africa/nigeria/port-harcourt |access-date=2022-02-26 |website=dentons.com |language=en}}</ref> when the first shipment of Nigerian crude oil was exported through the city in 1958.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Ogbuigwe |first=Anthony |date=2018-12-01 |title=Refining in Nigeria: history, challenges and prospects |journal=Applied Petrochemical Research |language=en |volume=8 |issue=4 |pages=181–192 |doi=10.1007/s13203-018-0211-z |s2cid=170015640 |issn=2190-5533|doi-access=free }}</ref> Through the benefits of the Nigerian petroleum industry, Port Harcourt was further developed, with aspects of modernization such as overpasses, city blocks, and taller and more substantial buildings.<ref name="rough guide" /> Oil firms that currently have offices in the city include Shell and Chevron.<ref>{{cite news |title=Slum demolition plan ups tension in Nigeria oil hub |first=Austin |last=Ekeinde |date=28 October 2010 |page=2 |publisher=Reuters Africa |url=https://af.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idAFTRE69R2SF20101028?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0 |access-date=2010-10-28 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614175805/http://af.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idAFTRE69R2SF20101028?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0 |archive-date=14 June 2012 }}</ref> with Agip Company.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Driving directions and traffic reports by Waze |url=https://www.waze.com/error_500 |access-date=2025-02-08 |website=www.waze.com |language=en}}</ref>

There are several public and private tertiary institutions in Port Harcourt. These institutions include Rivers State University, University of Port Harcourt, Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Ignatius Ajuru University, Rivers State College of Health Science and Technology, Madonna University, PAMO University of Medical Sciences, National Open University of Nigeria. The current mayor is Ezebunwo Ichemati. Port Harcourt's primary airport is Port Harcourt International Airport, (Omagwa) located on the outskirts of the city; the NAF base is the location of the only other airport and is used by commercial airlines Aero Contractors and Air Nigeria for domestic flights.<ref name="Williams2">{{cite book|title=Nigeria: The Bradt Travel Guide |first=Lizzie |last=Williams |page=203 |year=2008 |publisher=Bradt Travel Guides |isbn= 9781841622392|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fwuQ71ZbaOcC&pg=PA203}}</ref>

==Etymology== The port was built in 1912, but not given a name until August 1913, when the then Governor of Nigeria, Sir Frederick Lugard named it "Port Harcourt" in honor of Lewis Harcourt, 1st Viscount Harcourt,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Edozie |first=Victor |date=June 27, 2020 |title=Port Harcourt: How Nigeria's Garden City Got Its Name |url=https://dailytrust.com/port-harcourt-how-nigerias-garden-city-got-its-name/|newspaper=Daily Trust}}</ref> then the Secretary of State for the Colonies.<ref name="RoyalAfrican">{{Cite journal|last=Okafor|first=S.O.|date=January 1973|title=The Port Harcourt Issue: A Note on Dr Tamuno's Article|journal=African Affairs|series=Royal African Society|publisher=Oxford University Press|volume=72|issue=286|page=74|doi=10.1093/oxfordjournals.afraf.a096323}}</ref> The native Ikwerre name for the city is Rebisi or Ozugboko.

==History== thumb|Port Harcourt in the 1930s {{see also|Timeline of Port Harcourt}} Port Harcourt was founded in 1912 by Frederick Lugard, governor of both the Northern Nigeria Protectorate and the Southern Nigeria Protectorate.<ref>Falola, Toyin, Ann Genova, Matthew M. Heaton (2018), ''Historical Dictionary of Nigeria'', Rowman & Littlefield, USA, p. 341.</ref><ref>''African Affairs'', Volume 71 (1972), p. 274.</ref> Its purpose was to export the coal that geologist Albert Ernest Kitson had discovered in Enugu in 1909.<ref>{{cite book|title=Nigeria: The Bradt Travel Guide |first=Lizzie |last=Williams |page=196 |year=2008 |publisher=Bradt Travel Guides |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fwuQ71ZbaOcC&pg=PA196|isbn=9781841622392 }}</ref> The colonial government caused the people of Diobu to cede their land, and in 1912 the building of a port-town was started.<ref name="Njoku">{{cite news|date=October 2008|title=Original history of Port Harcourt and Rivers State creation|publisher=Otutu – Nigeria|url=https://otutu.com.ng/original-history-of-the-creation-of-the-rivers-state/}}</ref> Other villages that were later absorbed into the city included Oroworukwo, Oromeruezimgbu, Nkpogu, and Rumuomasi;<ref>{{cite book|title=Urban politics in Nigeria: a study of Port Harcourt |first=Howard |last=Wolpe |publisher=University of California Press |page=268 |year=1974 |isbn=0-520-02451-6 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hoHv7__4TXYC&pg=PA268}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|title=The pre-colonial period |publisher=Routledge |page=278 |year=1977 |isbn=0-7146-2919-7 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2b9iucQcDRcC&pg=PA278}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|title=Environmental Problems in Third World Cities - 7000IIED |first=C. V. |last=Izeogu |publisher=International Institute for Environment & Development |page=61 |year=1989 |isbn=1-84369-072-1 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=btR1TIsEEpgC&pg=PA61}}</ref> In the creeks to the south of the original port were the fishing camps and grounds of the Rebisi-ikwerre People-Ikwerre group.<ref name="RoyalAfrican"/>

During the First World War, Port Harcourt was used as a point for military operations against the Central Powers in German Kamerun.<ref name="rough guide"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/features/travels/2004/mar/11/travels-mar11-01.htm|location=Lagos, Nigeria|title=Port Harcourt: Garden City with few flowers|last=Archibong|first=Maurice|date=11 March 2004|access-date=2010-10-30|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090224065222/http://sunnewsonline.com/webpages/features/travels/2004/mar/11/travels-mar11-01.htm|archive-date=24 February 2009|newspaper=The Sun}}</ref> After the discovery of crude oil in Oloibiri in 1956, Port Harcourt exported the first shipload from Nigeria in 1958. Port Harcourt became the centre of the Nigerian oil economy<ref>{{cite web |title=State Government Solutions to the Niger Delta Troubles: Key Challenges, Needs and Strategies |first=Chibuike Rotimi |last=Amaechi |publisher=Chatham House|website=Chatham House Newsletter|url=http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/download/-/id/714/file/13602_260209nigerdelta.pd |format=PDF |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120730200053/http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/download/-/id/714/file/13602_260209nigerdelta.pd |archive-date=30 July 2012 }}</ref> and it subsequently reaped benefits of its associations with the petroleum industry by undergoing modernization and urbanization.<ref name="rough guide"/> Port Harcourt's growth is further due to its position as the commercial centre and foremost industrial city of the former Eastern Region; its position in the Niger Delta; and its importance as the centre of social and economic life in Rivers State. After the Republic of Biafra seceded from Nigeria in 1967 Port Harcourt fell to Nigerian forces on 19 May 1968. From an area of {{cvt|15.54|km2}} in 1914, Port Harcourt grew uncontrolled to an area of {{cvt|360|km2}} in the 1980s.<ref name=izeogu>{{cite book|title=Environmental Problems in Third World Cities |first=C.V. |last=Izeogu |page=60 |publisher=International Institute for Environment & Development |year=1989 |isbn=1-84369-072-1 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=btR1TIsEEpgC&pg=PA60}}</ref>

==Geography== [[File:Port Harcourt, Nigeria Population Density and Low Elevation Coastal Zones (5457306925).jpg|thumb|Population density and low elevation coastal zones in the Port Harcourt region. Port Harcourt is especially vulnerable to sea level rise.]] The main city of Port Harcourt is the Port Harcourt City in the Port Harcourt local government area, consisting of the former European quarters now called Old 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 of Obio-Akpor and Eleme accordingly.<ref>Ogbonna, D. N. / Amangabara, G. T. / Ekere, T. O.: [http://www.emeraldinsight.com/Insight/ViewContentServlet?Filename=Published/EmeraldFullTextArticle/Articles/0830180107.html "Urban solid waste generation in Port Harcourt metropolis and its implications for waste management]", ''Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal'', Volume: 18 Issue: 1; 2007</ref> 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 the Rivers 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. The Greater Port Harcourt region, spans eight local government areas that include Port Harcourt, Okrika, Obio-Akpor, Ikwerre, Oyigbo, Ogu–Bolo, Etche and Eleme. 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.<ref name="TheTide">{{cite news|url=http://www.thetidenewsonline.com/2012/05/27/the-greater-port-harcourt-project-...myth-or-reality/|location=Port Harcourt, Nigeria|title=The Greater Port Harcourt Project ...Myth or Reality?|date=27 May 2012|access-date=6 August 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218125951/http://www.thetidenewsonline.com/2012/05/27/the-greater-port-harcourt-project-%E2%80%A6myth-or-reality/|archive-date=18 February 2017|newspaper=The Tide}}</ref>

===Location=== {{Geographic location |title = '''Destinations from Port Harcourt''' |Northwest = Warri, Delta |North = Owerri, Imo |Northeast = Aba, Abia |West = Yenegoa, Bayelsa |Centre = Port Harcourt |East = Uyo, Akwa Ibom |Southwest = Gulf of Guinea |South = Atlantic Ocean |Southeast = Malabo, (Equatorial Guinea), Limbe (Cameroon) }}

===Climate=== Port Harcourt features a tropical monsoon climate (Köppen: ''Am'') with lengthy and heavy rainy seasons and very short dry seasons. Only the months of December to February truly qualify as dry season months in the city. The harmattan, which climatically influences many cities in West Africa, is less pronounced in Port Harcourt. Port Harcourt's heaviest precipitation occurs during September with an average of {{convert|367|mm|in|2|disp=or}} of rain. December on average is the driest month of the year, with an average rainfall of {{convert|20|mm|in|2|disp=or}}. Temperatures throughout the year in the city are relatively constant, showing little variation throughout the course of the year. Average temperatures are typically between {{convert|25|and|28|°C|°F|1}} in the city.{{Citation needed|date=April 2026}}

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 millimetres (13.01 inches) of precipitation and has 304.91 rainy days (83.54% of the time) annually.{{Citation needed|date=April 2026}}

{{Weather box | width = auto | metric first = yes | single line = yes | location = Port Harcourt (1991–2020) | Jan record high C = 37 | Feb record high C = 38.5 | Mar record high C = 38 | Apr record high C = 36.2 | May record high C = 37.2 | Jun record high C = 34 | Jul record high C = 32.5 | Aug record high C = 33 | Sep record high C = 33.1 | Oct record high C = 39 | Nov record high C = 35.2 | Dec record high C = 37.2 | year record high C = 39.0

| source = NOAA (sunshine 1961–1990)<ref name="WMONormals">{{cite web |url = https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/archive/arc0216/0253808/2.2/data/0-data/Region-1-WMO-Normals-9120/Nigeria/CSV/PortHarcourt_65250.csv |title = World Meteorological Organization Climate Normals for 1991-2020 — Port Harcourt |publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |access-date = January 7, 2024}}</ref><ref name = NOAA> {{cite web | url = ftp://ftp.atdd.noaa.gov/pub/GCOS/WMO-Normals/TABLES/REG__I/NI/65250.TXT | title = Port Harcourt Climate Normals 1961–1990 | publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201016205852/ftp://ftp.atdd.noaa.gov/pub/GCOS/WMO-Normals/TABLES/REG__I/NI/65250.TXT | archive-date = 2020-10-16 | url-status = dead | access-date = 7 July 2016}}</ref> }}

==Environmental concerns==

===Air Pollution=== thumb|alt=A picture of the Port Harcourt City centre from a highway with traffic and high rises in the distance|Traffic in the Port Harcourt City Centre Residents of the city have been experiencing particle (soot) pollution since the last quarter of 2016.<ref name=":1">{{Cite journal |last=Yakubu |first=Okhumode H. |date=2018 |title=Particle (Soot) Pollution in Port Harcourt Rivers State, Nigeria—Double Air Pollution Burden? Understanding and Tackling Potential Environmental Public Health Impacts |journal=Environments |volume=5 |issue=1 |pages=2 |doi=10.3390/environments5010002 |doi-access=free }} 50px Text was copied from this source, which is available under a [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License].</ref> Residents state their clothes and everything outside is covered with a layer of black soot.<ref>{{cite news |first=Chris |last=Giles |title=Why is this Nigerian city covered in a strange black soot?|date= 26 April 2018 |url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/04/26/africa/nigeria-portharcourt-soot/index.html |work=CNN}}</ref> Official PM2.5 information from the state's environmental commissioner, Roseline Konya, states a high reading of 270 micrograms per cubic meter for air pollution in the city from a 2016 sampling.<ref name=":0">{{Cite magazine|date=2018-10-22|title=Amid Staggering Pollution, Nigerians Struggle to Catch Their Breath|url=https://undark.org/2018/10/22/air-pollution-lagos/|access-date=6 August 2021|magazine=Undark Magazine|language=en-US|first=Anna|last=Cunningham}}</ref> According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) index air 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.<ref>{{Cite web|last=US EPA|first=OAR|date=2014-09-15|title=Patient Exposure and the Air Quality Index|url=https://www.epa.gov/pmcourse/patient-exposure-and-air-quality-index|access-date=2021-08-06|website=epa.gov|language=en}}</ref> "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 as hazardous."<ref name=":0" />

The increased deterioration 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, and Oyigbo Local Government Councils, as well as Ogoni.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite news |date=2017-02-19 |title=Air pollution: Rivers resident decry invasion by black soot |url=https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/air-pollution-rivers-resident-decry-invasion-by-black-soot/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|first= Kelvin |last=Ebiri|access-date=2022-03-05 |newspaper=The Guardian|language=en-US}}</ref>

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 in ecosystem diversity. This also made the city dwellers spend more time indoors than outdoors. Residents in cities such as Rumosi and Rumuodumanya in Obio/Akpor Council have relocated to other safe cities leading to a decline in business activities.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=2017-02-18 |title=Residents leave Port Harcourt over sooth emission |url=https://guardian.ng/features/health/residents-leave-port-harcourt-over-sooth-emission/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|first=Ann |last=Godwin|access-date=2022-03-05 |newspaper=The Guardian|language=en-US}}</ref>

The Ministry of Environment took action by analysing air samples from various sites in the city and found out to be 11 times higher than WHO 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 soot pollution.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" />

==Residential areas== {{See also|:Category:Neighbourhoods in Port Harcourt}} 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 and Borikiri. The main industrial area is located in Trans Amadi, Abuloma.

==Economy== [[File:Gates of oil refinery in Port Harcourt.jpg|thumb|alt=A picture of gates of the Port Harcourt Refining Company Ltd. with an oil refinery's fire seen in the background in rainy weather.|The Port Harcourt Refining Company Ltd, Alesa Eleme.]] Port Harcourt is a major industrial centre as it has a large number of multinational firms as well as other industrial concerns, particularly business related to the petroleum industry. It is the chief oil-refining city in Nigeria and has two main oil refineries located at Eleme. Both refineries process around 210,000 barrels of crude oil a day, both operated by the Port Harcourt Refining Company.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.neiti.org.ng/sites/default/files/documents/uploads/appcrefineriestechinfobinder.pdf|title=Appendix C: Refineries Technical Information Binder|publisher=Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative|access-date=15 June 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130808070934/http://neiti.org.ng/sites/default/files/documents/uploads/appcrefineriestechinfobinder.pdf|archive-date=8 August 2013}}</ref><ref name="oil">{{cite web|url=http://www.world66.com/africa/nigeria/portharcourt/sights|title=Sights in Port Harcourt|work=World66.com|access-date=2014-06-15|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140716023153/http://www.world66.com/africa/nigeria/portharcourt/sights|archive-date=16 July 2014}}</ref> Rivers State is one of the wealthiest states 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 common in certain parts of Port Harcourt. The 18-story Point Block of Rivers State Secretariat building is an icon of the city. It is the tallest building in the Southeast and South-South geopolitical zones combined.

==Demographics== ===Ethnic groups=== Port Harcourt is primarily composed of coastal Ikwerre.<ref>{{cite web |title=Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |url=https://www.refworld.org/docid/4e4a21682.html |website=Refworld |publisher=UNHCR |access-date=6 April 2022}}</ref>

===Religion=== {{further|List of Roman Catholic churches in Port Harcourt}} As in other cities in the country's south, the predominant religion of Port Harcourt is Christianity. Roman Catholics make up a significant portion of the Christian population. There are scores of churches, parishes and priests within the Port Harcourt Catholic diocese.<ref name="p12">{{cite web|url=http://dccwo.org/priests.php|title=List Of Priests In Port Harcourt Diocese (Diocesan And Religious)|publisher=dccwo.org|access-date=5 August 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140719011314/http://dccwo.org/priests.php|archive-date=19 July 2014}}</ref> The central church is the Corpus Christi Cathedral Parish in D-line.<ref name="corpus1">{{cite news|url=http://www.thetidenewsonline.com/2013/07/29/bishop-ordains-10-catholic-priests/|location=Port Harcourt, Nigeria|title=Bishop Ordains 10 Catholic Priests|newspaper=The Tide|first=Shedie |last=Okpara|date=29 July 2013|access-date=5 August 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808053629/http://www.thetidenewsonline.com/2013/07/29/bishop-ordains-10-catholic-priests/|archive-date=8 August 2014}}</ref> The city is also home to other Christian denominations such as Anglicans, Methodists, Baptists, Presbyterians, Jehovah's Witnesses and members of Evangelical and Pentecostal groups. A very small number of residents adhere to the Islamic faith.<ref name="intellect">{{cite journal |author= Ihejirika, Walter C. |title= Muslim minorities and media access in a predominantly Christian city: The case of Port Harcourt, Nigeria |editor=Winston Mano|journal=Journal of African Media Studies |volume= 1 |issue= 3 |year=2009 | publisher=Intellect|issn=1751-7974|pages=469–491|doi= 10.1386/jams.1.3.469/1 }}</ref>

==Culture== ===Literature=== The Port 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 of Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, the yearly gathering improves local literacy levels, promotes reading habits among denizens, and benefits exhibitors seeking a wider audience.<ref name="allafrica1">{{cite news|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201309021149.html|title=Nigeria: Port Harcourt Book Festival Retains Book Fair|date=2013-09-01|work=AllAfrica.com|publisher=AllAfrica Global Media|access-date=2014-03-03|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140303235632/http://allafrica.com/stories/201309021149.html|archive-date=3 March 2014}}</ref> Throughout its annual run, Port Harcourt Book Festival has hosted renowned publishers such as Heinemann, 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.<ref name="vanguardngr">{{cite news|url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/10/port-harcourt-alight-book-festival-begins/|location=Lagos, Nigeria|title=Port Harcourt alight as book festival begins|last=Sam-Duru|first=Prisca|date=2013-10-24|access-date=2014-03-03|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301101441/http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/10/port-harcourt-alight-book-festival-begins/|archive-date=1 March 2014|newspaper=Vanguard}}</ref> In July 2012, UNESCO, IPA, IBF and IFLA named Port Harcourt the World 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.unesco.org/new/en/media-services/single-view/news/port_harcourt_named_world_book_capital_2014/|title=Port Harcourt named "World Book Capital 2014"|publisher=Unesco.org|date=2012-07-19|access-date=2014-03-03|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419094131/http://www.unesco.org/new/en/media-services/single-view/news/port_harcourt_named_world_book_capital_2014/|archive-date=19 April 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gambellastarnews.com/index.php/archives/1005-nigeria-unesco-names-port-harcourt-as-world-book-capital-2014.html|title=Nigeria: UNESCO Names Port Harcourt as World Book Capital 2014|publisher=Gambellastarnews.com|date=2012-09-02|access-date=2014-03-03|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140303232723/http://www.gambellastarnews.com/index.php/archives/1005-nigeria-unesco-names-port-harcourt-as-world-book-capital-2014.html|archive-date=3 March 2014}}</ref>

The city also features in ''Looking for Transwonderland'', one of the first volumes of travel writing written by a Nigerian, Noo Saro-Wiwa.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Jones |first=Rebecca |date=2014 |title='Nigeria is my Playground': Pẹlu Awofẹsọ's Nigerian travel writing |url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/african-research-and-documentation/article/abs/nigeria-is-my-playground-pelu-awofesos-nigerian-travel-writing/44402676BED6C93485B438D17FEFA800 |journal=African Research and Documentation |language=en |volume=125 |pages=65–85 |doi=10.1017/S0305862X00020665 |s2cid=157770690 |issn=0305-862X|url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Birrell |first=Ian |date=2012-01-29 |title=Looking for Transwonderland: Travels in Nigeria by Noo Saro-Wiwa – review |language=en-GB |work=The Observer |url=https://www.theguardian.com/books/2012/jan/29/looking-transwonderland-saro-wiwa-review |access-date=2023-04-01 |issn=0029-7712}}</ref>

===Music=== {{main|Music of Port Harcourt}}

===Nightlife=== Aside from being the oil capital, Port Harcourt is also known for its vibrant late-night activities and entertainment scene. There are several public houses, lounges, clubs, dance bars and restaurants spread out around the city. Partyers and revellers tend to spend a chunk of their night time at New 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 in sex-oriented businesses including strip clubs and brothels.{{Citation needed|date=April 2026}}

===In popular culture=== ====In music==== Numerous musicians have come from Port Harcourt.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Nwaokolo |first1=Nneamaka |title=11 Nigerian Musicians Who Put Port Harcourt on The Map |url=https://unorthodoxreviews.com/11-musicians-who-put-port-harcourt-on-the-map |website=Unorthodox Reviews |date=11 March 2025 |access-date=11 March 2025}}</ref> *Award-winning Nigerian musician Duncan Mighty also popularly known as Port Harcourt's First Son.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.africanheritagemagazine.de/?p=1226|title=Duncan Mighty: The official 1st Son of Port Harcourt is in Hamburg|publisher=African Heritage|date=2012-10-18|access-date=2014-03-03|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150109011900/http://www.africanheritagemagazine.de/?p=1226|archive-date=9 January 2015}}</ref> Duncan Mighty is known for his hit song "Port Harcourt Son".<ref>{{cite web|title=Duncan Mighty Ready To Rock Accra at The "Yes Boss" Concert|url=http://showbiz.peacefmonline.com/pages/music/201112/86051.php|publisher=Peacefmonline.com|access-date=5 February 2014}}</ref> *Grammy winner Burna 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 singer Omah 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 actress Muma Gee highlights the city's scenes and culture in her song "Port Harcourt Is Back".<ref name="allafrica">{{cite news|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201402100348.html|title=Nigeria: Muma Gee – Controversial, Weird but Focused|date=2014-02-09|work=AllAfrica.com|publisher=AllAfrica Global Media|access-date=2014-03-03|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140312030449/http://allafrica.com/stories/201402100348.html|archive-date=12 March 2014}}</ref> *Reggae-fusion singer Slim Burna sang a song called "Port Harcourt Boy" from his 2013 release ''I'm on Fire''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.codewit.com/nigeria-news/6915-slim-burna-teases-tracklist-for-i-m-on-fire-mixtape|title=Slim Burna Teases Tracklist For 'I'm On Fire' Mixtape|publisher=Codewit World News|date=2012-10-18|access-date=2014-03-03|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150428040705/http://www.codewit.com/nigeria-news/6915-slim-burna-teases-tracklist-for-i-m-on-fire-mixtape|archive-date=28 April 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.songlyrics.com/slim-burna/port-harcourt-boy-feat-knowledge-lyrics/|title=Slim Burna – Port Harcourt Boy (feat. Knowledge) Lyrics|publisher=songlyrics.com| access-date=2014-03-03}}</ref>

====In movies==== *In the film ''Blood 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ww3.tvo.org/program/120276/blood-and-oil|title=Blood and Oil|publisher=TVO|access-date=2014-03-03|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140309193514/http://ww3.tvo.org/program/120276/blood-and-oil|archive-date=9 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://metro.co.uk/2010/03/17/paterson-joseph-why-oil-makes-his-blood-boil-175079/|title=Paterson Joseph: Why oil makes his blood boil|newspaper=metro.co.uk|first=Siobhan|last= Murphy|date=17 March 2010|access-date=2014-03-03|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140303233240/http://metro.co.uk/2010/03/17/paterson-joseph-why-oil-makes-his-blood-boil-175079/|archive-date=3 March 2014}}</ref> *Port Harcourt is a location in the Blessing Uduefe-directed movie ''The Green Eyed''. The movie also premiered in the city.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thetidenewsonline.com/2014/02/14/nollywood-stars-storm-ph-for-new-movie-as-liz-benson-bounces-back-to-acting/|location=Port Harcourt, Nigeria|title=Nollywood Stars Storm PH For New Movie ...As Liz Benson Bounces Back To Acting|newspaper=The Tide|date=2014-02-14|access-date=2014-03-03|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402101333/http://www.thetidenewsonline.com/2014/02/14/nollywood-stars-storm-ph-for-new-movie-as-liz-benson-bounces-back-to-acting/|archive-date=2 April 2015}}</ref> *''Girls Hostel'', a Nollywood movie filmed in Port Harcourt helped catapult actresses Mary Uranta and Empress Njamah into stardom.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.news1ghana.com/?p=18533|title=Empress Njamah To Open Multi-Million Naira Fashion House|publisher=News One Newspaper|date=2011-09-30|access-date=2014-03-03|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304005127/http://www.news1ghana.com/?p=18533|archive-date=4 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://sunnewsonline.com/new/?p=24700|location=Lagos, Nigeria|title=Mary Uranta: Sexual harassment drove me out of Nollywood|newspaper=The Sun|first=Tony Ogaga |last=Erhariefe|date=2013-04-28|access-date=2014-04-18|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419015616/http://sunnewsonline.com/new/?p=24700|archive-date=19 April 2014}}</ref>

==Education== ===Colleges and universities=== thumb|Rivers State University main gate 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. The University of Port Harcourt was ranked sixth in Africa and first in Nigeria by Times Higher Education in 2015.<ref name="Africa 6">{{cite news|title=UK body ranks UniPort first in Nigeria|url=http://thenationonlineng.net/uk-body-ranks-uniport-first-in-nigeria/|location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=27 June 2016|date=15 July 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816085104/http://thenationonlineng.net/uk-body-ranks-uniport-first-in-nigeria/|archive-date=16 August 2016|newspaper=The Nation}}</ref> The federal government owned university has its main campus at Choba district.

Universities and colleges administered by the Government of Rivers State are also located in the city. They include Rivers State University, Kenule Beesor Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic (Former Rivers State Polytechnic, Bori), Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education and Rivers State College of Health Science and Technology. The notable private institutions are Catholic Institute of West Africa and Eastern Polytechnic. The latter is the first and only private polytechnic established in the state.<ref name="eastpoly">{{cite news|first=Akanimo |last=Sampson|title=First Private Polytechnic Springs Up In Rivers, By Akanimo Sampson|url=http://newsrescue.com/first-private-polytechnic-springs-up-in-rivers-by-akanimo-sampson/#axzz4CiogoxLa|access-date=27 June 2016|website=News Rescue|date=5 February 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416101304/http://newsrescue.com/first-private-polytechnic-springs-up-in-rivers-by-akanimo-sampson/#axzz4CiogoxLa|archive-date=16 April 2016}}</ref>

===Primary and secondary schools=== {{See also|List of schools in Port Harcourt}}

==Media== 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, the Rivers 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.<ref name="MIC">{{cite web|url=http://www.riversstate.gov.ng/the-commissioner.html|title=Ministry of Information & Communications|publisher=Riversstate.gov.ng|access-date=17 August 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819082817/http://www.riversstate.gov.ng/the-commissioner.html|archive-date=19 August 2014}}</ref>

===Newspapers=== In print media, the largest-circulated daily newspaper published in Port Harcourt is ''The Tide''. It is state-supported and has an online version. Another popular newspaper is the weekly tabloid ''National Network'' which is owned by local politician Jerry Needam.<ref name="nationalnetwork1">{{cite news|url=http://www.nationalnetworkonline.com/vol10n13/ogoni.html|title=Ogoni-Shell Crisis: Rivers Lawmaker Caught In Double Standard Game|location=Port Harcourt|access-date=17 August 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819090945/http://www.nationalnetworkonline.com/vol10n13/ogoni.html|archive-date=19 August 2014|newspaper=National Network}}</ref> Additionally, other noteworthy papers like ''The Neighbourhood'' published by Nativity Communications Company and ''The Newswriter'' published by Writers House have begun competing for market presence and are both headquartered in the metropolis.<ref name="vanguardngr"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theneighbourhoodonline.com/contact.html |title=Contact Us |work=theneighbourhoodonline.com |publisher=Nativity Communications Company |access-date=17 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140605210542/http://theneighbourhoodonline.com/contact.html |archive-date=5 June 2014 }}</ref><ref name="TNW">{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewswriterng.com/?page_id=2|title=About The Newswriter|work=Thenewswriterng.com|date=22 September 2011 |publisher=Writers House Printing and Publishing Company|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140803083055/http://www.thenewswriterng.com/?page_id=2|archive-date=3 August 2014}}</ref>

===Radio=== {{See also|List of radio stations in Port Harcourt}} 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).<ref name="radio rivers">{{cite news|url=http://www.thetidenewsonline.com/2014/05/07/radio-rivers-at-33/|title=Radio Rivers At 33|date=7 May 2014|location=Port Harcourt|access-date=23 August 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714214400/http://www.thetidenewsonline.com/2014/05/07/radio-rivers-at-33/|archive-date=14 July 2014|newspaper=The Tide}}</ref> 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.<ref name="RR 99.1">{{cite journal|url=https://www.academia.edu/5034279|title=Audience Assessment of News Commentary on Radio Rivers 99.1FM: A Port Harcourt City Survey|last=Uwalaka|first=Temple|journal=Academia.edu|date=8 November 2013 |format=PDF|access-date=23 August 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161208191556/http://www.academia.edu/5034279/Audience_Assessment_of_News_Commentary_on_Radio_Rivers_99.1FM_A_Port_Harcourt_City_Survey|archive-date=8 December 2016}}</ref>

===Television=== * Rivers State Television – Government owned TV station on UHF channel 22. Established in 1985.

== Transport == [[File:2014-06-21 13-00-02 Nigeria Rivers - Omoecheigbo.jpg|thumb|Port Harcourt International Airport]] There is an international airport, Port Harcourt International Airport on the outskirts of the city, a Nigerian 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 (FOT Onne, Port Harcourt Wharf).

==Sports==

Port Harcourt hosts several major sports facilities, including the Sharks Stadium the Yakubu Gowon Stadium located in Elekahia, the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium situated in Omagwa, the University of Port Harcourt Stadium , and the Liberation Stadium

The city is home to one of Nigeria’s prominent football clubs, Rivers United F.C., which competes in the Nigerian Professional Football League and has represented Nigeria in continental competitions. It is also home to Rivers Angels F.C., one of the leading women’s football clubs in Nigeria.

Other notable football organizations in the city include Obio Akpor Football Club , which uses the University of Port Harcourt Stadium for training and home matches, and the Burna Boy Football Academy, which is associated with player development activities based around the Liberation Stadium.

In September 2019, then-Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike announced plans to establish a football academy in partnership with Spanish club Real Madrid CF. The project, named the Real Madrid Football Academy, was later commissioned approximately 18 months afterward by the state government alongside Nigeria’s Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare..<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SB973SPfnA |title=FULL VIDEO: Wike, Sports Minister Commission Real Madrid Football Academy In Rivers State |date=2021-03-09 |last=Channels Television |access-date=2024-07-03 |via=YouTube}}</ref>

<ref>Obio Akpor Football Club</ref>

==Healthcare== {{further|List of hospitals in Port Harcourt}} Port Harcourt is the leading hub for medical services in Rivers State. Many healthcare facilities including hospitals and research facilities are located in Port Harcourt.<ref name="tide news12">{{cite news|url=http://www.thetidenewsonline.com/2014/02/26/medical-tourism-the-rivers-initiative-2/|title=Medical Tourism: The Rivers Initiative|date=26 February 2014|location=Port Harcourt |access-date=13 August 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140813101115/http://www.thetidenewsonline.com/2014/02/26/medical-tourism-the-rivers-initiative-2/|archive-date=13 August 2014|newspaper=The Tide}}</ref> The city has a prominent tertiary health institution University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) is situated on East West Road.<ref name="upthng">{{cite web|url=http://upthng.org/history.htm|title=Our Beginning|publisher=Upthng.org|access-date=13 August 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150504041327/http://upthng.org/history.htm|archive-date=4 May 2015}}</ref>

Government hospitals are widely favoured and cater to a larger pool of patients. One of the oldest is Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital. Founded in 1925, the 375-bed facility provides general and specialist medical and surgical services along with a range of diagnostic and support services.<ref name="BMSH2">{{cite web|url=http://www.bmsh.org.ng/about_us.php |title=Our History |publisher=Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital |location=Port Harcourt |access-date=13 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140815235501/http://bmsh.org.ng/about_us.php |archive-date=15 August 2014 }}</ref> Between 2009 and 2013, the Rivers State government commissioned two additional hospitals. This includes Kelsey Harrison Hospital and the Rivers State Dental and Maxillofacial Hospital.<ref name="tide news13">{{cite news|url=http://www.thetidenewsonline.com/2013/02/04/%E2%80%98ph-new-hub-for-medical-tourism%E2%80%99/|title=PH, New Hub For Medical Tourism|date=4 February 2013|location=Port Harcourt|access-date=13 August 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714222454/http://www.thetidenewsonline.com/2013/02/04/%E2%80%98ph-new-hub-for-medical-tourism%E2%80%99/|archive-date=14 July 2014|newspaper=The Tide}}</ref>

Some other notable hospitals in the city are Meridian Hospital and Rehoboth Specialist Hospital which are private.<ref name="merdian1">{{cite web|url=http://www.meridianhospitals.com/AboutUs.aspx|title=About us|publisher=meridianhospitals.com|access-date=13 August 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727034348/http://www.meridianhospitals.com/AboutUs.aspx|archive-date=27 July 2014}}</ref>

==Water supply and sanitation== 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 {{convert|187000|m3|0|abbr=on}} 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<ref name="PHWATERCORP-Policy">{{cite web|url=http://www.portharcourtwater.com/?attachment_id=136|title=Rivers State Water Policy|publisher=portharcourtwater.com|access-date=20 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170413081041/http://www.portharcourtwater.com/?attachment_id=136|archive-date=13 April 2017}}</ref> and the enactment of the Rivers State Water Sector development law #7 of 2012.<ref name="PHWATERCORP-Law">{{cite web|url=http://www.portharcourtwater.com/?attachment_id=137|title=Rivers State Water Law|publisher=portharcourtwater.com|access-date=20 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170413081044/http://www.portharcourtwater.com/?attachment_id=137|archive-date=13 April 2017}}</ref>

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-sustaining public service corporation.{{Citation needed|date=April 2026}}

==Greater Port Harcourt== {{main|Greater Port Harcourt}}

Under the leadership of former Governor Chibuike Amaechi, plans was announced for the creation of a new city to be called Greater Port-Harcourt City.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gphcity.com|title=Index of /|website=gphcity.com|access-date=29 April 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180331045303/http://gphcity.com/|archive-date=31 March 2018}}</ref> The new city is to be located at the outskirt of Port Harcourt close to the Port-Harcourt International Airport.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200904080024.html|title=Nigeria: Why Rivers is Embarking on Port Harcourt City Project – Nwuke|last=Onoyume|first=Jimitota|date=8 April 2009|work=AllAfrica.com|publisher=AllAfrica Global Media|access-date=2009-09-25|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017193949/http://allafrica.com/stories/200904080024.html|archive-date=17 October 2012}}</ref> The total coverage area for the Greater Port Harcourt city development is about {{cvt|1900|km2}} spanning eight local governments in Rivers 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.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thetidenewsonline.com/2012/05/27/the-greater-port-harcourt-project-%E2%80%A6myth-or-reality/|location=Port Harcourt, Nigeria|title=The Greater Port Harcourt Project ...Myth or Reality |access-date=2018-06-12|newspaper=The Tide}}</ref> 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".{{Citation needed|date=April 2026}}

==Gallery== <gallery> File:Church of Nigeria, Portharcourt, Rivers state.jpg File:Federal Institute of Water Resources signpost, Portharcourt, Rivers state.jpg File:Isaac Boro Park, Portharcourt, Rivers state.jpg File:Isaac Boro Park, Portharcourt, Rivers state4.jpg File:Isaac Boro Park, Portharcourt, Rivers state6.jpg File:Lebavics Complex, Portharcourt, RIvers state.jpg File:Mattoris Supermart, Portharcourt, RIvers state.jpg File:Our Lady Health of the Sick Hospital, Portharcourt, Rivers state.jpg File:Pleasure Park, Port Harcourt, Rivers state3.jpg File:Portharcourt civic Centre, Portharcourt, RIvers state.jpg File:Portharcourt civic Centre, Portharcourt, RIvers state2.jpg File:Real Madrid Football Academy, Port Harcourt, Rivers state4.jpg File:Rumo roundabout, Portharcourt, Rivers state.jpg File:Sacred Heart Seminary, Port Harcourt, Rivers state.jpg File: </gallery>

==Notable people== {{Main|List of people from Port Harcourt}}

==Twin towns – sister cities== Port Harcourt has the following sister city relationships, according to Sister Cities International:

*{{flagdeco|US}} Kansas City, Missouri, United States<ref name="sister">{{cite web|url=http://www.sister-cities.org/interactive-map/Port%20Harcourt,%20Nigeria|title=Port Harcourt, Nigeria|work=Sister-cities.org|publisher=Sister Cities International|access-date=2014-06-15|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160216191625/http://www.sister-cities.org/interactive-map/Port%20Harcourt,%20Nigeria|archive-date=16 February 2016}}</ref>

== See also == {{Portal|Geography|Africa|Nigeria}} * Bonny Island * Bori City * Okrika * Railway stations in Nigeria * Capital TV (Nigeria) {{clear right}}

==References== {{reflist}}

==Sources== * {{cite book | last=Wolpe | first=Howard | title=Urban Politics in Nigeria | publisher=Univ of California Press | publication-place=Berkeley | date=2023-11-15 | isbn=978-0-520-33395-6}}

==External links== {{Sister project links|voy=Port Harcourt|Port Harcourt}} *[http://www.portharcourtwater.com Port Harcourt Water Corporation] *[http://www.gphcity.com Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority] *[http://www.oyibosonline.com The Expat's Guide to Port Harcourt] *[https://web.archive.org/web/20061203025626/http://www.riversstatenigeria.net/index/120-Govt_Project_Pictures.php Official Site of the River State Government] *[http://www.demographia.com/db-worldua.pdf demographia.com] (PDF)

{{Port Harcourt}} {{Rivers State}} {{Igbo topics}} {{World Book Capital|state=autocollapse}} {{Cities in Nigeria}} {{Authority control}}

Category:Port Harcourt Category:Bonny River Category:Populated coastal places in Rivers State Category:Populated places established in 1913 Category:Port cities and towns in Nigeria Category:Cities in Rivers State Category:1913 establishments in the Southern Nigeria Protectorate Category:State capitals in Nigeria

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