Rivers Governor Fubara inaugurates Phase One of 20,000-unit Greater TAF City Housing Estate to provide affordable homes for middle-income earners
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Monday inaugurated Phase One of the Greater TAF City Housing Estate, revealing that more than 90 lawsuits had been filed to frustrate the administration’s plan to deliver affordable housing for middle-income earners.
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The estate, spanning Ikwerre and Obio-Akpor Local Government Areas, is projected to host 20,000 units under the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority.
The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to decongest the state capital and provide modern, affordable housing.
Governor Fubara noted that the project faced significant legal challenges at inception, with multiple individuals claiming ownership of portions of the land and alleging non-payment of compensation.
He praised traditional rulers and community leaders who supported the government to realise the vision.
“This was an idea that faced challenges no other development has ever faced in Rivers State. You will not believe that when we started this project, we were confronted with over 90 litigations from individuals claiming ownership of the land and alleging non-payment of compensation.
It was a deliberate ploy to frustrate this vision and endanger the welfare of our people,” he said.
The inauguration of the first phase marks the delivery of 1,000 housing units, which Governor Fubara said demonstrates the administration’s commitment to the full 20,000-unit plan.
He urged land allottees to accelerate development while commending private sector partner Greater TAF Nigeria Limited for its contribution.
“What we have delivered today is the first phase of our 20,000 units. When the Federal Government’s 1,000 units are completed alongside our remaining 19,000 units, housing will no longer be a challenge in Rivers State,” the governor added, linking access to housing with social stability and reduced crime.
Mustapha Njie, Managing Director of Greater TAF Nigeria Limited, lauded Governor Fubara’s leadership, noting that the public-private partnership model of the estate has received continental recognition.
The African Union for Housing Finance awarded the project last year as the most innovative affordable housing PPP in Africa.
Bennett Chu, Acting Administrator of the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority, described the 20,000-unit initiative as a long-standing dream becoming a reality, highlighting the project’s progress since the Memorandum of Understanding and groundbreaking ceremonies in December 2023.
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Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Wobodo Charles, praised the governor for his consistent presence and commitment to impactful projects, emphasising the significance of the housing scheme for middle-income earners.
