The Rivers State Government has warned residents, developers, corporate organisations, and other stakeholders against undertaking any physical development without first obtaining the necessary approvals from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
The government stressed that the ministry is the only legally recognised authority responsible for regulating physical planning and urban development across the state, warning that anyone who violates the directive will face legal consequences.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Amairigha Edward-Hart, made this known in a special public announcement signed on Monday.
According to the statement, the ministry is legally empowered to implement the state’s physical development plans, including master plans, action plans and neighbourhood plans.
It added that the ministry is responsible for granting approvals and permits for all developments, ensuring compliance with zoning regulations, building setbacks, height restrictions and other development standards.
The government also said the ministry oversees the management of wastelands, vacant sites and open spaces, investigates complaints relating to physical development, implements urban renewal programmes, issues Temporary Use of Space Permits and revalidates approved building plans.
In addition, the ministry has the authority to issue compliance notices and, where necessary, demolish illegal or unapproved structures.
Also Read: http://FirstBank Supports Female Enterprise Owners with ₦10m Grants
“The public is hereby notified that the ministry is legally empowered to implement the state’s development plans, including master plans, action plans and neighbourhood plans,” the statement said.
It further emphasised that these responsibilities fall exclusively within the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
“For the avoidance of doubt, it is imperative to state that the above responsibilities fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, and no individual, group, or organisation is permitted to undertake any of these functions without due recourse to the Ministry,” the statement added.
The government urged residents, developers and corporate organisations to obtain all necessary permits, approvals and certifications before embarking on any construction, demolition or other physical development projects in the state.
It warned that anyone found violating the regulations or bypassing the required approval process would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“Any person or entity found to have flouted these provisions or to have circumvented the due process outlined above will be deemed to be in violation of extant laws governing Physical Planning and Urban Development, and shall be made to face the full wrath of the law,” the commissioner stated.
