RIVERS GOVERNMENT WARNS RESIDENTS AGAINST OCCUPYING DISTRESSED BUILDINGS

The Rivers State Government has warned residents against occupying old and distressed buildings, urging property owners and tenants to prioritise safety to prevent loss of lives and property.
The Honourable Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Sir Amaopusenibo Amairigha Edward Hart, gave the warning on Saturday, October 10, 2026, during an inspection of a partially collapsed two-storey building at No. 18 Club Road, Port Harcourt.
The incident occurred at about 9 p.m. on Friday, October 9, when the roof slab and front balcony extension of the building, believed to be over 50 years old, collapsed. No lives were lost. The affected area has been cordoned off and marked “VACATE – UNFIT FOR HUMAN HABITATION.”
Commissioner Hart said the incident highlighted the dangers posed by ageing structures, noting that the building appeared to have exceeded its lifespan and had become unsafe for habitation.
He disclosed that the Ministry had commenced a proactive audit of old buildings, beginning in Diobu and extending to other parts of Port Harcourt. The exercise aims to identify structurally compromised buildings, advise occupants to vacate where necessary, and recommend major restoration where feasible.
The Commissioner reiterated the commitment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration to protecting lives and ensuring a safe environment for residents. He urged the public to cooperate with the Ministry in conducting structural integrity tests on suspected distressed buildings and to comply with demolition orders where issued.
He also warned that neighbouring buildings of a similar age could face comparable risks, advising residents to exercise caution when renting old properties.
The Ministry further cautioned the public against entering the cordoned-off area or scavenging around the collapsed section.
Further structural investigations are expected to be conducted within the week to determine whether the building should be demolished or undergo major restoration.
Officials of the Ministry, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal Fire Service, the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), and the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) Emergency Service Unit were present during the inspection.