The Rivers State Government has inaugurated a Technical Committee on High-Rise Buildings and Zoning for the Port Harcourt metropolis to strengthen urban planning, regulate building development and promote a safer, more sustainable state capital, a statement signed by Boma Waribor, PhD, mnipr, Press Secretary to the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, has disclosed.
The committee was inaugurated on Friday, October 23, 2026, at the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development’s office on Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.
The inauguration was performed on behalf of the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Sir Amaopusenibo Amairigha Edward Hart, by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, TPL (Mrs) Soibitein Duke Harry, MNITP, RTP, FCAI.
In his address, delivered by the Permanent Secretary, Hart said the committee was established to develop a comprehensive zoning framework for high-rise buildings in Port Harcourt and other areas of the state.
He noted that the rapid growth and urban development of Port Harcourt presented significant opportunities as well as challenges, making it necessary to ensure that high-rise buildings were properly planned, designed, constructed and regulated in accordance with approved building standards and zoning regulations.
According to him, the committee has a critical responsibility to promote orderly urban development, ensure structural safety, protect the environment and enhance the aesthetics and functionality of the city.
The commissioner added that the committee would also help prevent indiscriminate development and reduce risks associated with unsafe buildings.
He charged members to discharge their responsibilities with professionalism, integrity and diligence, emphasising that their recommendations must be practical, enforceable and guided by the best interests of residents and the sustainable development of Port Harcourt.
Responding on behalf of other members, the committee’s chairman, TPL Aloysius Nwuzi, described the assignment as central to the town planning profession, which seeks to create a liveable and viable environment for all.
Nwuzi observed that the challenges posed by haphazard urban development required collective action and assured the state government that the committee had the institutional framework needed 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.
Africa Update reports that the committee comprises members of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), academics and directors of the ministry.
Its members include TPL Chief 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.
Among its key responsibilities are reviewing existing planning regulations, identifying suitable locations for high-rise developments and recommending appropriate zoning standards.
These standards are expected to address permissible building heights, plot ratios, setbacks, development density, parking provisions and infrastructure capacity.
The framework is intended to guide decisions on where and how high-rise buildings can be developed, taking into account the capacity of existing infrastructure and the need to maintain safe, functional and well-organised urban spaces.
The ministry urged relevant stakeholders to cooperate with the committee to ensure the successful implementation of its mandate.
The inauguration forms part of the state government’s efforts to strengthen physical planning and promote a safer, better-organised and more sustainable Port Harcourt.
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