Securing Rivers State Critical to Nigeria’s Economic Survival, Says Siminalayi Fubara

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara highlighted the critical importance of securing his state to Nigeria's overall economic survival at the inauguration of a newly rehabilitated runway at the Nigerian Air Force Base in Port Harcourt. The airport facility's importance lies in its strategic location as the heart of the nation's oil and gas industry, which makes the security of Rivers State indistinguishable from the security and economic well-being of the entire country, according to Fubara.

The rehabilitation of the runway is seen as a demonstration of the strong collaboration between the state government and the military in tackling national security challenges. The governor emphasized that the project signifies a commitment to safeguarding Nigeria's vital national assets and infrastructure. Fubara underscored that the security of Rivers State is inseparable from the nation's security and economic prosperity, stressing that there can be no thriving economy without adequate security.

The newly rehabilitated runway promises immediate operational benefits, such as enhanced safety, improved efficiency, and stronger rapid-response capabilities in the region. Fubara also commended President Bola Tinubu for his efforts to fortify Nigeria's security architecture, stressing that security is a shared responsibility that requires cooperation between federal and state governments.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, praised the state government for its support in rehabilitating the runway, describing the project as a testament to the robust partnership between the Nigerian Air Force and the state government. Aneke highlighted that the new facility will bolster the Air Force's ability to protect critical national assets and infrastructure in the South-South region, supporting ongoing air operations, training, and disaster-response missions.