Anambra demolition drive expands as authorities enforce planning laws, while traders and developers raise concerns over marked structures

The Anambra State Government has intensified its urban renewal campaign by launching the third phase of its enforcement operation aimed at restoring the state’s master plan, reclaiming public land and removing unauthorised structures, a move that has sparked concern among traders and developers in affected communities.

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Leading the latest exercise in Ogbunike, Oyi Local Government Area, during the weekend, Anambra State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Chijioke Ojukwu, said the operation reflects Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s vision of creating orderly, liveable and economically vibrant cities through strict adherence to approved development standards.

The initiative, tagged “Show Your Building Permit,” is being implemented across major commercial centres and communities as part of the government’s broader urban regeneration agenda.

Under the ongoing Anambra Demolition Drive, officials of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development marked several properties for demolition and issued affected owners with 14-day notices to remove structures found to be in violation of planning regulations.

Authorities said many of the affected developments failed to comply with mandatory setbacks, including the required nine-metre distance from road corridors designed to improve traffic flow and public safety.

At the Plywood Market in Ogbunike, the commissioner supervised efforts to recover public land allegedly encroached upon by private developers.

“Operation show your physical planning permit seeks to enforce compliance with approved planning regulations and reclaim encroached public spaces,” Ojukwu said.

“The exercise reflects the Anambra State Government’s commitment to build a modern, liveable and investment-friendly state anchored on strict physical planning standards.

“These illegal developments have contributed significantly to flooding, traffic congestion, insecurity and environmental degradation in major urban centres across the state.”

The enforcement team also visited the Building Materials Market in Ogidi, where construction work on an illegal structure built across a major drainage channel was halted after part of the development reportedly collapsed.

Ojukwu warned that building on drainage alignments poses significant environmental and public safety risks, particularly during the rainy season when flooding becomes a major concern.

Further inspections in Ogidi uncovered additional cases of non-compliance involving inadequate setbacks and other breaches of approved planning regulations, leading to enforcement actions.

At Oye Agu Market in Abagana, Njikoka Local Government Area, officials marked portions of shopping plazas for demolition after determining that the developments lacked adequate parking facilities and failed to observe the mandatory nine-metre setback for commercial buildings.

The same enforcement measures were extended to Nkwo Nnewi and other commercial areas within Nnewi, where authorities identified developments that allegedly violated approved planning standards and road corridor requirements.

The current exercise follows earlier enforcement operations in Nnewi and forms part of a wider effort by the Soludo administration to address urban planning challenges that have accumulated over several years.

Ojukwu reiterated that physical planning regulations apply to all developers, residents and institutions without exception.

“The Governor Soludo administration remains unwavering in its vision of restoring order, protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring sustainable urban development,” he said.

“This is a warning to developers who disregard approved plans and building regulations that they risk severe sanctions, including demolition of offending structures.”

Despite the government’s position, the enforcement exercise has generated anxiety among traders and property owners, particularly at Oye Agu Market, where affected stakeholders insist that many of the marked structures were constructed with official approval.

Market Chairman Ugochukwu Nwaokaka maintained that a substantial number of the plazas facing demolition threats were legally approved by relevant government agencies before construction commenced.

Similarly, developer and Managing Director of Ani Odogwu Property Limited, Nkem Obidigbo, argued that the markings had created widespread uncertainty among traders and investors.

“About 90 per cent structures in Oye-Agu Market have government approval from the Anambra State Physical Planning Board,” Obidigbo said.

“I suggest the newly appointed commissioner should go through the approved documents of the market for proper guidance.

“As I speak, the situation has caused serious panic among traders in the market.”

Some traders warned that the planned demolitions could jeopardise livelihoods and investments, with several calling on Governor Soludo to intervene.

A food vendor at the market, Esther Udoh, appealed for restraint, saying the action could have severe economic consequences for affected families.

“I am appealing to our Solution Governor to stop the ministry from its planned action so that the majority of us in the market will not be sent begging in the streets,” Udoh said.

“The action is dangerous for now.”

The trader also claimed that some of the affected shops had been rented to returning investors from South Africa, adding that demolition at this stage could discourage investment and create hardship for many families.

Responding to the growing concerns, Chairman of Njikoka Local Government Area, Chinedu Ononiba, urged traders to remain calm and assured them that discussions were ongoing.

According to Ononiba, efforts are being made to address the dispute through dialogue and ensure that any action taken balances enforcement of planning laws with the interests of affected stakeholders.

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The controversy highlights the delicate challenge facing the Soludo administration as it seeks to modernise urban centres, tackle environmental hazards and restore planning standards while managing the concerns of businesses and residents whose investments may be affected by the enforcement programme.