From Ifeoma Ejiofor
The Anambra State Government has ruled out the possibility of extension of the deadline for the removal of illegal structures and shanties across the industrial town of Nnewi in Nnewi North LGA of the State.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barr. Chijioke Ojukwu, made the position clear during a sensitization and enforcement exercise in Nnewi, insisting that affected property owners must comply with the two-week ultimatum earlier issued by the government.
According to him, the exercise is being carried out in line with Gov. Charles Soludo’s directive to restore order, enhance environmental safety, and ensure sustainable urban development across Anambra State.
Ojukwu stated that upon expiration of the notices, government agencies would commence the removal of all identified illegal structures and shanties in accordance with extant laws and physical planning regulations.
He urged residents and business owners to take the notices seriously, noting that the administration remains committed to enforcing planning standards without compromise.
The Commissioner also disclosed that the Ministry would soon launch “Operation Show Your Physical Planning Permit,” a statewide initiative aimed at strengthening compliance with approved development guidelines and curbing unauthorized construction.
He observed that the proliferation of illegal structures has contributed to flooding, traffic obstruction, environmental degradation, and security concerns in major urban centres, including Nnewi.
Ojukwu said the government’s urban renewal agenda is designed to create cleaner, safer, and more investment-friendly cities, adding that similar interventions have yielded positive results in other parts of the state.
As part of the ongoing enforcement exercise, officials continued the marking of non-compliant structures and issuance of removal notices in several locations, including Nkwo Market, Akamili, Uruagu, the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Permanent Site axis, and Eme Court Road.
The Commissioner further assured that “Operation Zero Shanties” would be sustained to curb encroachment and unsafe developments, urging residents to support the initiative.
