The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Port Harcourt Operations Office, on Monday 6th October, 2025, swiftly responded to a fire outbreak at the Rivers State Secretariat, Podium Block, located in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The emergency response team, led by Mr. Fortunatus Anyanwu, Chief Search and Rescue Officer (CSARO), promptly mobilized to the scene following a distress call from members of the public alerting the Operations Office of the incident.
Upon receiving the alert, the Head of NEMA Port Harcourt Operations Office, in coordination with the Director of the South-South Zonal Directorate, immediately activated relevant stakeholders including the Federal and State Fire Services, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Nigeria Police Force for a joint response.
On arrival, the team observed that the fire had affected a section of the Podium Block, including offices housing the Rivers State Pension Board. Through the combined efforts of the Federal and State Fire Services, the inferno was successfully contained and extinguished, preventing further escalation.
Fortunately, no casualties were recorded during the incident. The actual cause of the fire could not be immediately ascertained as investigations are ongoing.
Stakeholders who participated in the joint operation include:
1. Rivers State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA)
2. Federal Fire Service
3. Rivers State Fire Service
4. Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
5. Nigeria Police Force
6. Ministry of Special Duties
The operation was effectively coordinated and concluded without any loss of life.
