RismadarVoice Reporters
October 10, 2026
The Rivers State Government has warned residents against occupying ageing and structurally distressed buildings following the partial collapse of a two-storey building at No. 18 Club Road, Port Harcourt.
The incident occurred at approximately 9 p.m. on Friday, October 9, when the roof slab and front balcony extension of the building, reportedly more than 50 years old, collapsed.
No casualties were recorded.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Sir Amaopusenibo Amairigha Edward Hart, issued the warning during an inspection of the affected property on Saturday, October 10.
Following the collapse, authorities cordoned off the affected section and marked the building “VACATE — UNFIT FOR HUMAN HABITATION” to prevent further occupation.
In a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Dr Boma Waribor, the commissioner expressed relief that no lives were lost and raised concerns about the structural condition of ageing properties across Port Harcourt.
Hart disclosed that the ministry had commenced an assessment of old buildings, beginning in Diobu and extending to other parts of the state capital.
According to him, the exercise is intended to identify structurally unsafe buildings, determine their suitability for continued occupation and recommend evacuation, rehabilitation or demolition where necessary.
He explained that buildings found to be severely distressed would be subjected to appropriate structural assessments before decisions were taken on their future use.
The commissioner urged property owners and occupants to cooperate with government officials conducting structural integrity tests, stressing that early identification of defects could prevent building failures and protect lives.
He also warned residents against disregarding evacuation and demolition notices issued by the relevant authorities.
Hart advised prospective tenants to exercise caution when renting older properties, particularly buildings showing visible signs of structural deterioration.
He noted that neighbouring buildings constructed during the same period could require similar assessments to determine their safety.
The commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration to strengthening building safety enforcement and protecting residents from preventable structural failures.
Meanwhile, the ministry has warned members of the public to avoid the affected property and refrain from scavenging around the collapsed section.
Further structural investigations are expected within the coming week to determine whether the building can undergo major restoration or must be demolished.
Officials from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, National Emergency Management Agency, Federal Fire Service, Nigerian Society of Engineers and Rivers State University Teaching Hospital Emergency Service Unit participated in the inspection.
The government maintained that compliance with building safety regulations and timely reporting of distressed structures remain essential to preventing similar incidents across the state.
