About
Rivers State is a state in southern Nigeria, set in the Niger Delta region of West Africa. It is known above all for its oil. The state's petroleum industry has shaped its economy and its landscape, and visitors often come here for business as much as for leisure.
The commercial heart of the state is Port Harcourt, which serves as its capital and as the commercial capital of the wider region. The city is the place to base yourself for most visits, with hotels, restaurants and the practical services a traveller needs.
What a visit offers
- A window onto the Niger Delta, a region defined by its rivers, creeks and wetlands.
- An insight into Nigeria's petroleum industry and the energy economy built around it.
- The commercial atmosphere of Port Harcourt, a working city with a busy business life.
Planning your trip
Because the state's identity rests on industry and commerce, a visit suits travellers with work in the region or a curiosity about the Delta's economy and geography. Those looking for a conventional sightseeing circuit should check what is currently open and accessible before setting out, and plan ground travel in advance.
If you are considering Rivers State, start with Port Harcourt, where most of the infrastructure is, and let your itinerary grow outward from there.
