Rivers Urban Development Ministry, NEMA, FHA Strengthen Collaboration on Building Safety
The Rivers State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development has intensified efforts to improve building safety through stronger collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).
The move was announced during a strategic inter-agency meeting held at the Ministry’s office in Port Harcourt on Thursday, June 25, 2026, aimed at establishing a unified operational framework to prevent overlaps and ensure coordinated action among agencies involved in the built environment.
Speaking at the meeting, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Amairigha Hart, stressed the importance of collaboration in preventing structural failures and building collapses.
He noted that regulatory and emergency response agencies must work together to ensure strict compliance with approved building standards and due process at every stage of construction.
The Commissioner commended the prompt response of the Federal Housing Authority and NEMA to the recent building collapse along Peter Odili Road, describing their swift mobilisation as crucial to ongoing rescue efforts.
Providing an update on the incident, Hart disclosed that search, rescue and evacuation operations were still in progress. He added that technical teams were carrying out a controlled demolition of the remaining lift shaft and stair core to prevent a secondary collapse and safeguard rescue personnel as well as neighbouring properties.
He further emphasised that collaboration among agencies should extend beyond emergency situations, noting that proactive monitoring and enforcement are essential to preventing future construction-related disasters.
The meeting ended with participants harmonising operational information and agreeing on measures to strengthen supervision, compliance monitoring and joint inspections of ongoing and future construction projects across Rivers State.
The resolution is expected to enhance coordination among state and federal agencies and promote safer building practices in the state.
