Residents of Port Harcourt are urging government officials and security authorities to enhance security measures in the state to rejuvenate its nightlife.

In separate conversations with Kristina Reports on Thursday, April 11, 2024, individuals underscored the economic significance of nightlife in Port Harcourt and lamented its decline due to insecurity.

Desmond Nnaji, a respondent, drew comparisons with Lagos, emphasizing the need for Port Harcourt to bolster its security infrastructure to match the vibrancy of Nigeria’s commercial capital.

He highlighted the impact of security on daily life, citing prolonged commute times and the bustling nature of Lagos as contributing factors to its lively nightlife.

“In as much as Lagos is bigger than Port Harcourt, as a city, Lagos is more secure. Lagos is close to being overpopulated, which simply makes it busier than Port Harcourt. Some of the traffic Lagos experiences isn’t about bad roads but over population.”

“Imagine someone closing from work by 4pm and getting home by 11pm or later sef, how much more someone who is leaving office by 6pm, all these are adding to the nightlife”.

“You, as a businessman, will happily stay awake because you’re sure people are still coming and passing and patronizing you, including hawkers sef, fuel stations will stay more cos you’ll burn your fuel in traffic and definitely need to refill especially against d next day”.

“Eradication of fear of the unknown. Port Harcourt don’t need much the only factor affecting nightlife in Port Harcourt is insecurity”.

Bornfaith Godstime proposed comedy shows as a potential avenue to attract people back to the city at night. However, he expressed concerns about the prevalence of crime, recounting incidents of robbery and violence that deter residents from venturing out after dark.

“It’ll make sense actually for Port Harcourt night life to be revived. I believe that events like comedy events can bring it back but we are already used to staying indoors because of arm robbery, kidnapping and stealing.

“I remember when I was doing my IT, my boss’s colleague that do come once in a while, talked about how he was robbed on 31st night, they took his phone, took everything and hit gun on his head. So, robbers will not want to come out that much”.

Bunmi Owolabi emphasized the need for government intervention to create a conducive environment for nightlife to thrive, pointing out that investment in security, events, and the entertainment industry could stimulate economic growth and transform Port Harcourt into a bustling hub of activity.

She stressed that reviving Port Harcourt’s nightlife will not only boost revenue but also attract visitors, leading to a surge in hotel bookings and economic prosperity.

“I will like that the government and security operatives to start looking into how to provide enabling environment for Port Harcourt night life to thrive, by that I mean investing into events, security and entertainment industry”.

“This will cause a shift in no time, revenue’s will be generated, It’ll be a fun place to stay, someone who doesn’t like working in the sun like me can decide to do business at night, like sell food close to an event centre at night”.

“Most people travel to Lagos and other places just to have fun, if Port Harcourt night life is revived, you start seeing people trooping into the cities, our hotels gets filled up and there will be economic boom”.

Fisayo Bawa highlighted the importance of adequate lighting as a deterrent to criminal activity. Improving street lighting, Bawa argued, would enhance visibility and instill a sense of safety among residents, thereby encouraging night-time activities.

“Talking about Port Harcourt night life, it starts with security oo. There are some places I will pass at night and I will be walking fast because everywhere is dark.”

“If there is light everywhere, nobody can just double cross you because they know that someone will see them from a distance. Let the government start with lighting up the city because once there is security other activities will follow up.”

Port Harcourt, located in the heart of the Niger Delta, has often been overshadowed by other Nigerian cities in terms of nightlife. However, residents believe that by addressing security concerns and investing in entertainment, the city can reclaim its status as a vibrant and dynamic urban centre.