Rivers warns against building without government approval

The Rivers State Government has issued a stern warning against undertaking any physical development without securing prior approval from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development. This directive applies to individuals, corporate organizations, and all other stakeholders involved in construction and development within the state.

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The public is hereby notified that the ministry is legally empowered to implement the state’s development plans, including master plans, action plans and neighbourhood plans.

The government emphasized that the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development is the exclusive legal authority empowered to regulate all aspects of physical planning and urban development across Rivers State. Consequently, any deviation from the established procedures will result in legal repercussions.

Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Amairigha Edward-Hart, detailed the ministry's responsibilities in a public announcement. These include implementing the state's development plans, granting approvals and permits, ensuring compliance with zoning regulations, setbacks, and building heights, and managing open spaces. The ministry also has the authority to issue compliance notices, demolish illegal structures, and revalidate building plans.

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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.

Edward-Hart stressed that these functions fall under the ministry's exclusive jurisdiction, and no entity is permitted to perform them without official recourse. The government urged all residents, developers, and organizations to obtain the required permits and certifications before commencing any construction or demolition projects. Violators will be prosecuted under the law, facing the "full wrath of the law" for flouting the regulations.

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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.