The Rivers State Government on Monday declared that the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development is the only agency legally authorised to regulate physical development anywhere in the state, warning that residents, developers and corporate organisations that begin construction or related projects without the ministry’s approval will face prosecution under existing laws.
The clarification followed a public announcement issued by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Amairigha Edward Hart, to outline the ministry’s statutory responsibilities and remind the public of the procedures required before carrying out any physical development.
The government said the notice was necessary because all planning activities in the state must pass through the ministry to ensure compliance with approved development standards.
Ministry spells out planning responsibilities
The government said the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development is responsible for implementing development plans throughout Rivers State, including master plans, action plans and neighbourhood plans.
It explained that the ministry is the only authority empowered to issue approvals and permits for every physical development in the state. It also monitors compliance with zoning regulations, approved setbacks, building heights and other planning requirements.
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The ministry is responsible for maintaining wastelands, vacant sites and open spaces as part of its planning duties.
Edward Hart said no individual, group or organisation is permitted to perform any of these responsibilities without first going through the ministry.
“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,” the statement said.
The government also identified other responsibilities assigned to the ministry. These include issuing compliance notices, investigating petitions and complaints relating to physical development, removing illegal and unapproved structures where necessary, implementing urban renewal programmes, issuing Temporary Use of Space Permits and revalidating approved building plans.
Government warns against bypassing approvals
The state government directed residents, developers, corporate organisations and other stakeholders to obtain every required permit, approval and certification before starting construction, demolition or any other physical development project.
It stressed that approval from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development is compulsory for such activities because the ministry is the only legally recognised regulator of physical planning in Rivers State.
The government said compliance with planning regulations helps to ensure that developments conform to approved standards for land use, building locations and other physical planning requirements.
Edward Hart warned that anyone who ignores the approval process or circumvents the ministry’s procedures will face legal consequences.
“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,” he said.
The government also reminded the public that individuals, companies and other organisations are not authorised to carry out any function assigned to the ministry without its approval.
It advised anyone planning physical development anywhere in Rivers State to first obtain the necessary permits before work begins, noting that failure to comply with the law could result in enforcement measures, inc luding prosecution where applicable.
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