The Anambra State Government has demolished buildings, shops and shanties allegedly constructed in violation of physical planning regulations in parts of Nawfia, Abagana and Onitsha.
The enforcement exercise was carried out under the state government’s ongoing “Operation Show Your Building Permit” and “Zero Shanties” initiatives, aimed at enforcing compliance with physical planning regulations and improving the state’s urban environment.
Officials of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development pulled down affected structures at Afor Market, Nawfia; Oye-Agu Market, Abagana; and Odoakpu, Onitsha.
Speaking during the exercise, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barrister Chijioke Ojukwu, represented by the Head of Development Control, Ngozi Okwudili, said the enforcement followed due process.
He said the affected developers had reportedly received repeated notices before the demolition exercise was carried out.
According to the ministry, one of the structures at Afor Market, Nawfia, was erected without the required provision for parking space, while a plaza at Oye-Agu Market, Abagana, was allegedly constructed without approval from the ministry.
At Odoakpu, Onitsha, the enforcement followed a report from a concerned resident alleging that a three-storey building had been constructed on an access road without the required setback.
The commissioner warned that the state government would continue enforcement against structures that violate Anambra’s physical planning laws.
He advised prospective developers to obtain the necessary building plans and statutory approvals before commencing construction, stressing that compliance could help prevent enforcement action after construction.
The exercise forms part of the state government’s broader urban regeneration efforts, with authorities reiterating the need for developers and property owners to comply with approved planning standards.
By Enitan Mudashiru | MUK TV News
