The Rivers State Government has pledged to strengthen building regulations and enforcement measures following the collapse of a multi-storey building in Port Harcourt, as rescue operations continue and investigations into the incident intensify.
The state government disclosed that the developer of the collapsed building allegedly prevented officials of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development from carrying out inspections of the construction site before the tragedy occurred.
Authorities described the development as a serious breach of established building procedures, raising fresh concerns about compliance with construction regulations in the state.
According to officials, the project was executed without obtaining the necessary approval from the Rivers State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
"I wonder what kind of government would allow this kind of project to continue when everything about it, from conception to execution, was flawed," an official said while addressing journalists at the scene.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development explained that the ministry is still verifying the details of the approved building design, noting that the construction plans were not processed through the state government.
The commissioner stated that the building approval was reportedly issued by the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), prompting the state government to seek clarification.
"For now, we cannot state exactly how many storeys were approved because the building plans were not approved by the Rivers State Ministry," the commissioner said.
"The approval came through the Federal Housing Authority. We have already scheduled a meeting with the authority to determine whether the approved design was for three, four or five storeys."
He assured residents that the ministry would introduce stricter monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to prevent similar incidents in the future.
"We are putting stronger measures in place to forestall recurring cases of building collapse in Rivers State," he added.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said emergency responders remain at the site as search-and-rescue operations continue.
The Head of NEMA's Port Harcourt Operations Office commended the Rivers State Government for its swift response and logistical support during the rescue mission.
"As of yesterday, we rescued four people from the rubble. One person was confirmed dead, while three others were rescued alive and are responding well to treatment based on the reports we have received," the official said.
He added that NEMA, alongside other emergency agencies, would remain on-site until rescue efforts are completed.
"We are working together with all stakeholders. The Rivers State Government has provided excavators, cranes and tipper trucks, which have greatly enhanced the effectiveness of the rescue operation."
Emergency personnel, security agencies and volunteers have continued to comb through the debris in search of additional survivors.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has announced plans to investigate the latest building collapse alongside other recent structural failures in the state.
The Chairman of the association, Benedict Fubara, said the professional body is determined to identify the causes of the incidents and ensure accountability where negligence is established.
According to him, any engineer found to have violated professional standards or contributed to the collapse through negligence would face disciplinary measures and possible prosecution.
"Our responsibility is to investigate every recent case of building collapse in Rivers State. If any of our members is found culpable, we will ensure appropriate action is taken," he said.
The latest incident has renewed public concern over compliance with building regulations, quality control, and enforcement of construction standards across Rivers State.
Experts have repeatedly stressed the importance of obtaining proper approvals, conducting routine inspections, using qualified professionals, and adhering to approved building specifications to reduce the risk of structural failures.
As investigations continue, authorities say the priority remains rescuing anyone who may still be trapped beneath the rubble while establishing the circumstances that led to the collapse.
The Rivers State Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening oversight of the construction sector and ensuring that future developments comply with all statutory planning and safety requirements.
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