RismadarVoice Reporters
October 6, 2026
Governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Rivers State, Dumo Lulu-Briggs, has unveiled a reform agenda aimed at restructuring governance and expanding the state’s economy if elected in 2027.
Lulu-Briggs, who recently outlined his “Reset Rivers State” agenda during engagements in Buguma and Port Harcourt, said his long-term ambition was to lay the foundation for growing the state’s economy from an estimated $20 billion to $200 billion within 15 years.
He acknowledged that the target would extend beyond a single administration, saying his government would focus on establishing the conditions necessary for sustained economic expansion.
The NDC candidate identified reliable power supply, improved transportation and logistics, serviced industrial areas, tourism, agriculture, fisheries, skills development and support for businesses as some of the areas required to drive the proposed growth.
He also pledged to improve public finance management and make government revenue and expenditure more transparent.
According to Lulu-Briggs, Rivers possesses substantial oil and gas resources, waterways, commercial assets, agricultural potential and opportunities in tourism and the blue economy but needs to convert those advantages into productive businesses, employment and stronger household incomes.
He argued that prolonged political disputes had diverted attention from development, weakened public confidence and affected investment and government decision-making.
Under his proposed reforms, Lulu-Briggs said government institutions would be expected to become more accountable, predictable and efficient, while access to economic opportunities would be based more on merit than political connections.
He also pledged greater support for entrepreneurs and small businesses, saying an NDC administration would seek to improve access to finance for residents with viable business proposals.
Environmental protection would also form part of the programme, with the candidate promising stronger monitoring, remediation, emergency response and measures to improve resilience in communities affected by pollution, flooding and other environmental challenges.
Lulu-Briggs said his administration would work within the constitutional powers available to Rivers State while cooperating with federal authorities and private operators in areas outside the direct control of the state government.
He maintained that his proposed administration would be judged by measurable outcomes, including economic opportunities, functioning institutions, infrastructure delivery, business growth and improvements in public services.
The $200 billion economic target remains a campaign proposal, and its eventual feasibility would depend on investment levels, economic conditions, government policy and implementation over the proposed 15-year period.
