Rivers Govt inaugurates technical committee on high-rise buildings and zoning for Port-Harcourt

By Inyang-Blessing Ita, Port-Harcourt

Rivers State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development has inaugurated a technical committee on high-rise buildings and zoning for the Port Harcourt Metropolis.

The Commissioner, Sir Amaopusenibo Amairigha Edward Hart, said the inauguration of the committee was to develop a comprehensive zoning framework for high-rise buildings in the State capital and beyond.

The committee comprises members of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), the academia, and Directors of the Ministry.

The inauguration was performed on behalf of the Honourable Commissioner on Friday, October 23, 2026, at the Ministry’s Office, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, by the Permanent Secretary, TPL (Mrs.) Soibitein Duke Harry,

In his address delivered by the Permanent Secretary, the Honourable Commissioner said the rapid growth and urban development of Port Harcourt presents both opportunities and challenges, which makes it imperative to ensure that high-rise buildings are properly planned, designed, constructed and regulated in line with approved building standards and zoning regulations.

He stated that the committee has the critical responsibility of promoting orderly urban development, ensuring structural safety, protecting the environment, enhancing the aesthetics and functionality of the city, preventing indiscriminate development and reducing risks associated with unsafe buildings.

He charged members to discharge their assignment with professionalism, integrity, diligence and a strong sense of public service, noting that their recommendations should be practical, enforceable and guided by the best interests of the people and sustainable development of Port Harcourt.

In his acceptance remark on behalf of his co-members, the Chairman of the Technical Committee, Tpl. Aloysius Nwuzi, described the assignment as falling within the core mandate of the urban planning profession, which is to provide a liveable and viable environment for all.

He noted that the challenge of haphazard development requires all hands to be on deck, assuring that the Committee has an institutional framework 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.

The Committee, whose members include TPL. Chf. 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, is expected to examine existing planning regulations, assess suitable areas for high-rise developments and propose appropriate zoning standards covering permissible heights, plot ratios, setbacks, density, parking and infrastructure capacity.

The Ministry enjoined all relevant stakeholders to give the Committee the necessary cooperation to achieve its objective of building a safer, better-planned and more sustainable Port Harcourt.