Rivers warns developers against illegal construction

The Rivers State Government has directed individuals, corporate organisations and property developers to stop embarking on construction or any form of physical development without first obtaining the required approvals from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

The warning was contained in a public notice issued by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Amairigha Edward-Hart. He said the ministry remains the only government agency legally empowered to regulate physical planning and urban development across the state.

According to the government, the ministry is responsible for implementing development plans, including master plans, action plans and neighbourhood plans. It also handles the approval of building projects, monitors compliance with planning regulations and ensures that developers observe approved standards such as zoning, setbacks and building heights.

The government stated that the ministry also oversees the management of open spaces, vacant lands and wastelands. It is also authorised to investigate complaints relating to physical development, issue compliance notices, remove illegal structures where necessary, implement urban renewal projects, grant Temporary Use of Space Permits and revalidate approved building plans.

It warned that no person, group or organisation is allowed to perform any of these duties without the approval of the ministry, describing such actions as a violation of the state’s planning laws.

The government therefore advised residents, private developers and corporate bodies to secure all necessary permits, approvals and certificates before beginning construction, demolition or any other physical development project anywhere in Rivers State.

It added that anyone who ignores the directive or attempts to bypass the approval process will be treated as having violated the law and will face prosecution in line with the relevant legal provisions.