Soludo Orders Demolition Of Illegal Structures, Shanties In Nnewi

The Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has ordered the demolition of all illegal structures and shanties in Nnewi, the state’s industrial cum commercial hub.

The state commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barr Chijioke Ojukwu who conveyed the order, said that the initiative was aimed at restoring order, enhancing environmental sustainability, and promoting planned urban growth.

The commissioner who led a team of the ministry’s officials to Nnewi on a second phase of sensitisation and enforcement, emphasised that the initiative was part of the government’s broader urban regeneration agenda.

He disclosed that the programme, tagged, “Operation Show Your Physical Planning Permit,” was to enforce compliance with approved planning regulations and reclaim encroached public spaces.

Ojukwu reiterated that the two-week ultimatum earlier issued to owners of illegal structures and shanties remains, stressing that no extension would be granted after the deadline.

”This  directive reflects Governor Soludo’s resolve to build a modern, livable, and investment-friendly Anambra State anchored on strict physical planning standards,” he said.

He stated  that illegal developments have contributed greatly to flooding, traffic congestion, insecurity, and environmental degradation in major urban centres, including Nnewi.

He advised affected property owners to take the notices seriously, assuring that all enforcement actions would be carried out in accordance with the law once the grace period expired.

‎During the exercise, officials of the ministry marked illegal structures and pasted removal notices on them.

Locations in Nnewi that were covered during the sensitisation included Nkwo Market, Akamili, Uruagu, NAUTH Permanent Site axis, and Eme Court Road.