Anambra govt issues demolition notices for 500 illegal structures

The Anambra State Government has issued demolition notices to more than 500 owners and occupants of illegal, dilapidated, and unsafe structures across the Nnewi commercial town of the state.

The move is part of the urban renewal policies and programmes of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)-led government of Governor Prof. Charles Soludo, aimed at transforming the commercial and industrial city.

The exercise, spearheaded by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, marks the first phase of a comprehensive regeneration initiative designed to restore order, improve infrastructure, and reposition Nnewi as a modern industrial and commercial hub.

According to plans, affected structures include shanties erected beneath high-tension power lines, buildings constructed without approved setbacks, unauthorised developments, filling stations, hotels, and other decrepit structures considered hazardous to public safety and urban development.

The targeted locations span major corridors and strategic areas of the city, including the Nnewi Triangle axis, Hundred Foot Road, Post Office area, Anaedo Road, Igwe Orizu Road, Ezemewi Road, Nkwo axis, and sections of the Nnewi–Owerri Road right-of-way, as well as other major Trunk A road corridors in Otolo, Umudim, and Uruagu.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barrister Chijioke Oseloka Ojukwu, during the enforcement exercise on Saturday, said the action is in line with Governor Soludo’s vision of building a cleaner, safer, and more orderly urban environment.

He explained that the idea is to lay the foundation for the comprehensive regeneration of Nnewi and the restoration of its position as a premier industrial and commercial hub.

Ojukwu said the notices also serve as a formal warning to owners of structures obstructing the right-of-way of the newly dualised Nnewi–Owerri Road and other areas earmarked for redevelopment under the state’s urban transformation agenda.

He disclosed that more than 500 owners of illegally constructed structures have been served notices and granted a two-week ultimatum to comply before government enforcement and demolition activities commence.

The commissioner noted that the renewal programme would facilitate the completion of the long-abandoned Nnewi Triangle Mall, alongside the development of modern bus terminals, recreational centres, and other public infrastructure designed to enhance economic activity and urban mobility.

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The initiative follows Governor Soludo’s recent inspection tour of Nnewi and forms part of a broader strategy to reclaim abandoned public assets, eliminate urban blight, address infrastructure deficits, and create a more functional and attractive city environment.

While acknowledging the temporary inconvenience the exercise may cause, Ojukwu urged residents and business owners to cooperate with the government, reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to enforcing physical planning laws with fairness and firmness in pursuit of a cleaner, safer, and more prosperous Nnewi.

He stressed that the affected structures include shanties, dilapidated buildings, unapproved developments, filling stations, hotels, and properties encroaching on public right-of-way or posing environmental and safety risks.