The Anambra State Government has given a directive mandating residents and businesses with unsightly or dilapidated buildings to repaint their structures, particularly those visible in public areas.
The move is part of a sweeping beautification and environmental enhancement campaign of Governor Charles Soludo’s administration, which is set to kick off officially on July 1, 2025.
In a press statement released Thursday, the State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Felix Odimegwu, noted that the exercise will begin immediately, targeting key urban areas including Onitsha, Awka, Nkpor, Nnewi, and Ekwuluobia.
“Notice is hereby given to all residents and occupants of buildings which are in public view areas of the state with particular emphasis on Onitsha, Awka, Nkpor, Nnewil and Ekwuluobia respectively, that general household inspection on dilapidated and unpainted structures defacing the environment shall commence with immediate effect.”
According to Odimegwu, buildings that haven’t been repainted in the last ten years, or whose paintwork currently defaces the environment, will be subject to inspection and enforcement under the Anambra State Environmental Management, Protection and Administration Law 2024, Part 4, Section 79 (1–7).
“This exercise is aimed at strengthening the existing building structures, improving the aesthetic ambience, and the green space of the state as enshrined in the Anambra State Environmental Management, Protection and Administration Law 2024, Part 4 sec 79 (1-7).
Hence, residents are enjoined to fully maintain, repaint (if necessary) their residential and commercial premises which are in public view (anyaora) areas.”
He further explained that regulatory field operations will begin July 1 to ensure full compliance, adding that non-compliant property owners–both individuals and corporate bodies–will face enforcement actions.
“Regulators will be embarking on field operations starting from July 1, 2025, for this particular purpose. Therefore, concerned individuals and corporate organisations within the purview as stated above are required to repaint their houses/buildings, especially those that have not been repainted in the last 10 years or buildings whose current paint is defacing the environment.”
The statement concluded with a call for collective responsibility in transforming the visual identity of the state:
“A clean, beautiful and eco-friendly Anambra is possible if we join hands together to improve her aesthetic ambience,” the statement added.
The campaign marks a bold step by the Soludo-led administration in redefining urban aesthetics and promoting a healthier, more visually appealing environment across Anambra State.
