The Rivers State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development and the Motor Dealers Association of Nigeria, Rivers State Chapter, have agreed to work together towards formulating guidelines for car displays in a manner that will upscale the ambiance, serenity, and decency of the state.
The agreement, which occurred today during a meeting held at the instance of the Honourable Commissioner, Sir Amaopusenibo Amairigha Edward Hart, at the Ministry’s office in Port Harcourt, is part of a larger commitment to rid the state of defacing activities.
A statement on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 by his Press Secretary, Boma Waribor, PhD, said that the meeting comes a day after the Ministry’s tour of Port Harcourt, where challenges ranging from street trading, illegal structures, indiscriminate roadside activities, dilapidated bus-stops, shanties, off-plan projections, and general physical eyesore were noticed.
Speaking at the meeting today, Commissioner Hart announced the resolve of the Ministry to redefine car vendors’ operations and streamline them to portray orderliness, adding that in the new era, legitimate car dealers would have uniform fencing and branding.
He echoed the charge of the Governor, Amaopusenibo Sir Siminialayi Fubara, GSSRS, to restore the garden city status of Port Harcourt, suing for their collaboration as pacesetters to accomplish the noble task, explaining the need to clear the streets, expressways, and public spaces, towards making it clean in a short while.
He clarified that it was compulsory for all car dealers across the state to have approved and well-branded spaces for business, just as he expressed the Ministry’s readiness to assist genuine dealers who may not have a proper operational base to secure one, provided they engage in time, pointing out that there will be a defined time-frame for registered dealers to comply.
Commissioner Hart commended the association for their positive roles in the economic stability of Rivers State, expressing optimism that with their support, the state would attain its drive towards physical excellence as obtainable in smart cities around the world.
Remarking on behalf of his colleagues, the Chairman of Motor Dealers Association of Nigeria, Rivers State Chapter, Chief Christian Okoli, pledged their commitment to collaborate with the Ministry to achieve a better physical ambiance in Port Harcourt, admitting that there was actually an urgent need to reposition the disorderly mode of car dealership in the state.
Chief Okoli, who recalled how compliance was enforced without notices and recourse to their input in the past, commended the Commissioner for his strategic leadership, consideration, and empathy, declaring their full support for his policies and programs.
The meeting had the full attendance of the Ministry’s management team, comprising the Permanent Secretary, TPL Mrs. Soibitein Harry, and all Directors.