Greater Port harcourt expansion (GPHCDA): Rivers State Sets Stage for New Urban Districts Under Greater Port Harcourt Plan

Date: November 2025

Author: BCN Realty – Port Harcourt’s Trusted Real Estate Advisor

Introduction

The Rivers State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to creating new towns across the state as part of the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority (GPHCDA) master plan. This development is one of the most promising real-estate-shaping policies in recent years and will directly influence land value, investor opportunities, and future urban expansion around Port Harcourt.

Here’s a breakdown of what this means for property owners, homebuyers, and investors in Rivers State.

What the Government Announced

During a recent inspection in Ikwerre Local Government Area, government officials revealed that Rivers State will be establishing new urban districts (“new cities”) designed to ease the heavy congestion in central Port Harcourt and expand development deeper into Rivers East, Rivers West, and Rivers South-East.

This initiative is part of the original Greater Port Harcourt master plan and includes:

• New residential districts
• Structured commercial hubs
• Expanded infrastructure
• Improved road networks
• Upgraded utilities and public services

The goal is to decentralize development, reduce pressure on Port Harcourt metropolis, and open up fresh corridors for investors.

The Rivers State Government has partnered with Masta Services Limited to launch PH-Airport City, a new mini-city beside the Port Harcourt International Airport in Omagwa. The project, executed through the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority (GPHCDA), aims to build 2,000 modern housing units on 80 hectares, rolled out across 8 local government areas.

PH-Airport City is designed as Nigeria’s first aerotropolis — a full urban community built around an airport, combining residential estates, commercial centres, logistics hubs, and entertainment districts. Home prices are expected to start from around ₦32 million, with mortgage support from FMBN and Stanbic IBTC, including diaspora and rent-to-own options.

The development targets middle- and upper-class professionals, aiming to reduce housing pressure in Port Harcourt while boosting regional business growth. With Port Harcourt’s access to Aba, Uyo, Owerri, Onitsha, and Yenagoa, the project could position Rivers State as a major economic and residential hub in West Africa.

Why This Matters for Real Estate in Rivers State

1. New High-Growth Corridors Will Emerge

When government-backed new towns are created, land prices in surrounding areas often climb rapidly. Areas previously considered “far” suddenly become prime.

Investors who move early usually enjoy the highest appreciation.

2. Infrastructure Will Drive Property Value

The rollout of roads, bridges, schools, health centers, and commercial districts will immediately boost the desirability and value of nearby estates and lands.

Good infrastructure = higher demand = higher ROI.

3. A Shift from Overcrowded Urban Centers

Port Harcourt has faced congestion issues for over a decade.

The development of new towns means:

• Less pressure on PH metropolis
• More space for planned layouts
• Better living standards
• More opportunities for developers

This is the kind of structural improvement investors love.

4. It Encourages Responsible Urban Planning

New towns allow the government to design communities with:

• Proper drainage
• Electricity distribution
• Waste management
• Transport systems
• Zoning regulations

This helps prevent the unplanned growth that caused problems in some older parts of PH.

Where Will These New Towns Be Located?

The government has not released all official locations yet, but from inspection reports and early planning signals, focus areas include:

• Ikwerre axis
• Greater Port Harcourt outskirts
• Rivers East expansion zones
• Parts of Etche and Obio/Akpor peripheries
• Strategic portions of Rivers West and South-East

These are the same regions showing recent survey activities, government layout adjustments, and new estate interest.

As more official maps are released, BCN Realty will breakdown each zone for clarity.

What Should Investors Do Now?

1. Watch the Hot Zones

Start monitoring land around:

• Elitor
• Igwuruta outskirts
• Ipo
• Omagwa
• Eneka axis
• New GPHCDA layouts

These areas react first to new city plans.

2. Move Early, But Smart

The market always rewards early movers —

but early does not mean careless.

Verify titles.

Check layouts.

Confirm the land is not under acquisition.

3. Avoid Panic Buying

Some sellers will inflate prices simply because “government is coming.”

Don’t fall for hype.

Buy with data, not emotion.

4. Work with Verified Consultants

A government-driven project of this scale naturally attracts fake estate agents and fraudulent developers.

At a time like this, proper verification becomes even more important.

BCN Realty can help you:

• Check titles and surveys
• Confirm freehold vs acquisition
• Identify safe, future-growth estates
• Understand true land appreciation potential

How This Affects Current Property Owners

If you already own land near the proposed new towns:

• Your land value may appreciate
• You may gain easier access to infrastructure
• Developers may start seeking joint ventures
• Your area may transition from rural to semi-urban much faster

This is a window of opportunity for landowners to position themselves for strong returns.

Conclusion

The Rivers State New Town Development Plan signals a new phase of urban expansion and structured real-estate growth. Investors who stay informed, move strategically, and prioritize verified documentation will benefit the most.

BCN Realty remains committed to guiding buyers and landowners through every market change, helping you invest safely and profitably in Port Harcourt’s evolving real-estate landscape.