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 Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, TPL (Mrs.) Soibitein Duke Harry, on behalf of the Commissioner, Sir Amaopusenibo Amairigha Edward Hart, at the ministry’s office on Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.
In his address delivered by the permanent secretary, the commissioner said the rapid growth and urban development of Port Harcourt presented both opportunities and challenges, making it necessary to ensure that high-rise buildings were properly planned, designed, constructed and regulated in accordance with approved building standards and zoning regulations.
He said the committee was expected to promote orderly urban development, ensure structural safety, protect the environment, improve the city’s aesthetics and functionality, and prevent indiscriminate development.
The commissioner added that the committee would also help reduce risks associated with unsafe buildings and support sustainable urban development.
Also Read: http://Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development
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 the sustainable development of Port Harcourt.
Responding on behalf of other members, the committee’s chairman, TPL Aloysius Nwuzi, said the assignment fell within the core mandate of the urban planning profession, which was to promote a liveable and viable environment for all.
Nwuzi noted that addressing haphazard development required collective efforts, assuring the state government that the committee had the institutional framework necessary to deliver on its mandate.
“We accept this state responsibility and pledge to treat it with the seriousness, excellence and professionalism that it deserves,” he said.
Other 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 areas for high-rise developments and recommend zoning standards covering permissible building heights, plot ratios, setbacks, development density, parking provisions and infrastructure capacity.
The ministry called on relevant stakeholders to cooperate with the committee to achieve its objective of creating a safer, better-planned and more sustainable Port Harcourt.
