Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on Monday, December 15, 2025, officially commissioned Phase One of the Greater TAF City Housing Estate, overcoming more than 90 court cases that had threatened to stall the landmark housing project.
The housing estate, developed under the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority (GPHCDA), is part of a strategic plan to decongest the state capital and provide affordable housing for middle-income earners. Phase One comprises 1,000 units, forming the initial stage of a broader vision to deliver 20,000 housing units across the state.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Governor Fubara described the project as more than a housing scheme, calling it a bold vision conceived during one of the most challenging periods of his administration.
“This was an idea that faced challenges no other development has ever faced in Rivers State,” the Governor said. “We are all aware of the history surrounding the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority and the acquisition of land by previous administrations to move development from the city centre to other areas.”
Governor Fubara revealed that the project was deliberately targeted with legal actions aimed at halting its progress. “When we started, there were 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 stated.
He emphasized that the commissioning of Phase One is a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to delivering the first 1,000 housing units and reaffirmed the state’s larger plan to achieve 20,000 units. “Today marks not just the delivery of the first phase, but proof that the vision is real. This project is for middle-income earners and represents a major step in relocating development from the city centre to this axis,” he added.
Governor Fubara urged all land allottees to accelerate development on their plots, stressing that there is no justification for delay. He also commended Greater TAF Nigeria Limited, the private sector partner, and assured them of continued government support to ensure the successful completion of the remaining units.
“You should understand the person you are dealing with. We are committed, determined, and the interest of Rivers State is above personal interest. This is just the beginning,” he said.
The Governor further noted that the project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Housing initiative, highlighting that the state has also allocated land for 1,000 federal housing units. “When the Federal Government’s units are completed alongside our remaining 19,000 units, housing will no longer be a challenge in Rivers State,” he stated.
He linked access to adequate housing with social stability, asserting that ensuring citizens’ basic needs would significantly reduce crime and enhance societal well-being.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and CEO of Greater TAF Nigeria Limited, Mr. Mustapha Njie, praised Governor Fubara for his leadership and unwavering support. “Your Excellency, you championed this partnership, and today we are not just delivering houses but fulfilling the promise made to the people,” Njie said.
He further thanked the host communities for their cooperation and highlighted that the public-private partnership (PPP) model of the project has gained continental recognition. “Last year in Zanzibar, the African Union for Housing Finance recognized this project as the most innovative PPP in affordable housing in Africa,” Njie revealed.
Also speaking, the Acting Administrator of the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority, Barrister Bennett Chu, described the 20,000 affordable homes initiative as a dream that has become reality. He recalled that the Memorandum of Understanding for the project was signed on December 2, 2023, followed by the groundbreaking ceremony on December 15, 2023.
Barr. Chu thanked Governor Fubara for entrusting the Authority with the supervision of what he described as a legacy project offering hope to low- and middle-income earners.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Hon. Wobodo Charles, praised the Governor for his consistent presence and commitment to projects that positively impact the people. He highlighted the Governor’s multiple visits to the council area within the past two weeks to flag off and commission projects as an unmatched demonstration of dedication and love for the citizens, expressing heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the local government.
The commissioning of Phase One of the Greater TAF City Housing Estate marks a significant milestone in Rivers State’s housing sector and underscores Governor Fubara’s resolve to deliver on his administration’s vision despite legal and logistical challenges.
