Governor Siminalayi Fubara has declared that Rivers State is on course to finally overcome its long-standing housing deficit as he commissioned the first 1,000 housing units under the Greater Port Harcourt Housing Project, describing the initiative as a decisive step toward security, dignity, and crime reduction.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Fubara said the project was conceived during one of the most difficult periods in the state’s history and deliberately targeted at decongesting Port Harcourt by shifting development to emerging urban corridors. “This is not just a project. It is a vision born in our most challenging times. From the beginning, there were deliberate attempts to frustrate it, but we remained determined because the interest of Rivers State is above personal interests,” the governor said.
Fubara revealed that the project faced over 90 litigations from individuals laying claim to the land, a situation he described as a calculated effort to stall development. He said the administration overcame the obstacles through perseverance and lawful engagement, stressing that housing remains central to human dignity and social stability. “When people have a roof over their heads, they are protected, they can think, plan, and live decently. Housing is not a luxury; it is a necessity,” he stated.
The governor noted that the completion of the first 1,000 housing units—targeted largely at middle-income earners—marked a major milestone in the state’s plan to deliver 20,000 homes across Rivers State. He urged individuals and companies allocated land along the Greater Port Harcourt axis to commence development immediately. “From what you have seen today, there is no excuse for delay. Development must move to these areas. Rivers State cannot continue to operate as one overcrowded city centre,” Fubara warned.
Linking housing to security, the governor argued that lack of access to decent shelter contributes significantly to crime, as many people struggle to meet basic needs. He expressed confidence that large-scale housing delivery would help reduce social tension and criminal activity in the state.Fubara also said the project complements President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Housing Initiative, under which the Federal Government plans to deliver an additional 1,000 housing units in Rivers State.“When the federal government delivers its 1,000 units and we complete the remaining 19,000, housing will no longer be a problem in Rivers State,” he declared.
Calling for peace and cooperation, the governor urged residents to maintain calm, stressing that peace remains the foundation for sustainable development. “Peace is the ingredient that development thrives on. What matters to me is the progress of Rivers State, and I assure you, we will not disappoint the people,” he said.
Fubara thanked host communities, project partners, and Rivers residents for their support, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to delivering people-centered development and leaving a lasting legacy in housing and urban renewal.
