Rivers Sets Up Committee on High-Rise Buildings

Author: Gist Correspondent

The Rivers State Government has inaugurated a technical committee to develop a comprehensive zoning framework for high-rise buildings in Port Harcourt and other areas of the state.

The committee was inaugurated on Friday, October 23, 2026, by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development to promote orderly urban development, improve structural safety and ensure compliance with approved building standards.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Sir Amaopusenibo Amairigha Edward Hart, said the rapid growth of Port Harcourt presented both opportunities and challenges, making proper planning and regulation of high-rise buildings imperative.

Hart, whose address was delivered by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, TPL Mrs Soibitein Duke Harry, said the committee would help prevent indiscriminate development, protect the environment and improve the aesthetics and functionality of the state capital.

He charged members to discharge their responsibilities with professionalism, integrity and diligence, stressing that their recommendations must be practical, enforceable and guided by the public interest and sustainable development.

The commissioner said the initiative was also aimed at reducing risks associated with unsafe buildings and ensuring that high-rise structures were properly planned, designed, constructed and regulated.

In his acceptance remarks, the committee's chairman, TPL Aloysius Nwuzi, described the assignment as part of the core responsibility of the urban planning profession to create a liveable and viable environment.

Nwuzi acknowledged the challenges posed by haphazard urban development and assured the state government that the committee would approach its assignment with the seriousness and professionalism it required.

Members of the committee include TPL Chief Dr Simeipiri Wenike Johnbull, TPL Dr Edmund C. Nwokaeze, TPL Stewart Owukio, TPL Oti Emmanuel Okah, TPL Nzen Ebirien Nzen Jnr., TPL Stella Enyadike, TPL Eleeh Chimezie O. and TPL Felicia Leyira Ikpe.

The committee is expected to review existing planning regulations, identify suitable locations for high-rise developments and recommend zoning standards covering building heights, plot ratios, setbacks, population density, parking provisions and infrastructure capacity.

The ministry called on relevant stakeholders to cooperate with the committee to achieve the goal of building a safer, better-planned and more sustainable Port Harcourt.