The Anambra State Government has intensified its urban renewal drive with the commencement of the third phase of its “Show Your Building Permit” enforcement exercise aimed at reclaiming public land, restoring the state’s master plan and ensuring compliance with physical planning regulations.
Leading the operation across major commercial centres, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barr. Chijioke Ojukwu, said the exercise aligns with Governor Charles Soludo’s vision of building orderly, sustainable and economically vibrant cities.
During inspections at Plywood Market, Ogbunike, officials moved to reclaim government land allegedly encroached upon by developers, warning that public property would no longer be converted for private use in violation of planning laws.
At Building Materials Market, Ogidi, the ministry halted work on an illegal structure found to have collapsed on a major drainage channel, while additional non-compliant buildings were identified for violating approved setbacks and other development standards.
The enforcement team also marked sections of shopping plazas at Oye Agu Market, Abagana, for failing to provide adequate parking spaces and for breaching mandatory setback requirements designed to reduce traffic congestion and improve accessibility.
Similar violations were recorded at Nkwo Nnewi and other parts of Nnewi, where developers were accused of disregarding approved building plans and road corridor regulations.
Ojukwu reiterated that all developers, institutions and residents must comply with physical planning laws, warning that defaulters risk severe sanctions, including demolition of illegal structures.
He emphasized that strict adherence to planning regulations remains critical to the Soludo administration’s vision of transforming Anambra into a modern, well-planned economic hub comparable to leading global cities.
The state government maintained that the enforcement exercise will continue across communities and commercial centres to safeguard infrastructure, improve urban development and create a more livable environment for residents.
