Rivers Govt Explains Fire At State Secretariat Complex

The Rivers State Government has explained the circumstances surrounding a fire incident that occurred on Monday at the State Secretariat Complex in Port Harcourt.

Dr. Inyingi Brown, Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, confirmed that there were no casualties in the incident, which affected the right wing of the ground floor of the Podium Block.

Speaking to reporters at the scene, Brown said the fire was promptly contained through a coordinated effort by multiple agencies.

“We were informed that there was a fire incident at the right wing, ground floor of Podium Block, and we immediately made calls to the Rivers State Fire Service, which responded promptly,” she said. “We also called other partners of the state, such as Renaissance, the Federal Fire Service, and the military, who all sent their fire trucks. It was a combined effort, and as we speak, the fire has been contained.”

She expressed gratitude to Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his investment in the state’s fire service, describing the intervention as crucial in averting what could have been a major disaster.

“We thank God, and we thank His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for being proactive in rehabilitating the fire service before this time. If not for his investment, this situation would have been worse,” she said.

Brown said no lives were lost and that the state’s medical service team was on the ground to respond to any emergencies.

She added that preliminary investigations suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, urging civil servants to adopt safety-conscious practices in their offices.

“We urge all civil servants to take responsibility for safety. Put off sockets and lights at the close of work, and don’t just switch off—unplug them to ensure there’s no residual charge. These buildings are heritage assets, and we don’t want anything to happen to them,” she said.

The Head of Service also assured that Governor Fubara had initiated plans to refurbish the affected buildings, adding that details would be made public soon.