The governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Rivers State, Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, has announced plans to grow the state's economy from its current estimated $20 billion to $200 billion within 15 years. This ambitious target is part of his proposed "Reset Rivers State" agenda, which aims to transform the state from an economy heavily dependent on oil and federal allocations into a diversified production and investment hub. Lulu-Briggs unveiled the plan during a media chat in Buguma, Asari-Toru Local Government Area.
Lulu-Briggs' proposed agenda focuses on transforming the state through improved power supply, logistics, serviced industrial land, tourism, agriculture, fisheries, the blue economy, creative industries, skills development, and stronger environmental governance. He emphasized that achieving the target would require sustained annual growth, private-sector investment, and fundamental reforms in the political and governance environment. According to him, the state possesses the human and natural resources required to pursue such an ambitious transformation.
To achieve the $200 billion economy target, Lulu-Briggs said it would require about 16.7 percent year-on-year growth. He stressed that this is a big number, but the state has the potential to achieve it. The NDC guber candidate also addressed questions over his decision not to pursue the 2023 governorship dispute to its ultimate legal conclusion, despite running what he described as a strong campaign.
Lulu-Briggs explained that the circumstances surrounding the election, including disputes over his party's nomination, violence, and concerns about the safety of Rivers people, influenced his decision. He said he prioritized what he considered the wider interest of the people over an extended political confrontation. Although he contested the 2023 election and subsequently went to court, he ultimately decided not to pursue the matter further.
The NDC guber candidate described his current campaign as an attempt to replace political confrontation with competent and accountable governance. He outlined a six-point agenda covering politics, government institutions, the economy, opportunity, public trust, and environmental protection. Lulu-Briggs emphasized that his administration would ensure that public funds were deployed with discipline and that government projects were evaluated on their economic and social impact.
Lulu-Briggs also clarified that his decision in 2023 should not be interpreted as a lack of commitment to his political ambition. He said he later pursued the legal process over another electoral dispute through the tribunal, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court. The NDC guber candidate described his current campaign as a genuine attempt to provide competent and accountable governance to the people of Rivers State.
Lulu-Briggs' "Reset Rivers State" agenda has been well-received by some sections of the state's populace, who are eager for a change in the state's economic fortunes. The NDC guber candidate's plan to transform the state's economy and provide a new direction for its people will likely be a major talking point in the lead-up to the 2027 election.
Key points
- Lulu-Briggs aims to grow Rivers State's economy from $20 billion to $200 billion within 15 years.
- The NDC guber candidate's plan focuses on transforming the state into a diversified production and investment hub.
- Achieving the target would require sustained annual growth, private-sector investment, and fundamental reforms in the political and governance environment.
