03/08/2026
GOVERNMENT SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
The Rivers State Government wishes to announce to the general public the statutory functions vested in the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, as it reaffirms its commitment to orderly, safe and sustainable urban development across the State.
The public is hereby notified that the Ministry is legally empowered with the following functions and responsibilities:
1) To drive and implement the development plans of Rivers State (Master Plans, Action Plans, Neighborhood Plans etc.)
2) To give approvals/ permits to all developments in the State.
3) To ensure compliance of standards to zoning, setbacks, bulk height and other development regulations and standards.
4) Maintenance of waste land, including vacant sites and open land.
5) To serve the required notices to those who violates compliance standards, demolition of illegal structures, slum areas and unapproved structures on open spaces when and where necessary.
6) To investigate encroachments, complaints and petitions relating to physical development matters in the State.
7) To upgrade the city through Urban Renewal Programme.
😎 Issuance of Temporary Use of Space Permits
9) Revalidation of approved building plans
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 organization is permitted to undertake any of these functions without due recourse to the Ministry.
Members of the public, corporate bodies and all relevant stakeholders are therefore strongly urged to comply fully with the stated responsibilities and to obtain the requisite permits, approvals, and certifications from the Ministry before embarking on any physical development, construction, demolition, or related activity within the State.
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.
This announcement is issued for the information and strict compliance of the general public.
Signed
Sir Amairigha Edward Hart
Honourable Commissioner for Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
