RismadarVoice Reporters
August 3, 2026
The Rivers State Government has warned residents, developers and corporate organisations against undertaking construction or other physical development projects without obtaining the necessary approvals from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
The government said the ministry remains the only legally recognised authority responsible for regulating physical planning and urban development across the state.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Amairigha Edward-Hart, disclosed this in a special public announcement signed on Monday.
Edward-Hart said the ministry was legally empowered to implement the state’s development plans, including master plans, action plans and neighbourhood plans.
He explained that the ministry was also responsible for issuing approvals and permits for physical developments, enforcing zoning regulations, building setbacks and height restrictions, as well as regulating other development standards.
According to him, the ministry also has powers to issue compliance notices, remove illegal structures where necessary, investigate cases of encroachment and petitions relating to physical development, and implement urban renewal programmes.
Other responsibilities, he said, include issuing Temporary Use of Space Permits and revalidating approved building plans.
The commissioner stressed that the functions fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the ministry and warned individuals, groups and organisations against attempting to carry out such functions without due authorisation.
“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,” he said.
The state government consequently directed residents, developers and corporate bodies to secure all required permits, approvals and certifications before commencing construction, demolition or any other physical development activity.
It warned that anyone found circumventing the approval process or violating existing physical planning regulations would face prosecution and other sanctions prescribed by law.
The government said the directive was aimed at ensuring orderly development, compliance with approved planning standards and sustainable urban growth across Rivers State.
