Soludo Cracks Down in Nnewi:Show Your Permit or Lose Your Structures

By Ndife David, Nnewi

The Anambra State Government has intensified its urban renewal programme in Nnewi, reaffirming its commitment to eliminating shanties, unauthorized developments, and other illegal structures across the commercial city.
The initiative, being driven by Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo through the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, is aimed at restoring urban order, enhancing environmental sustainability, improving public safety, and promoting planned physical development in line with the state’s master plan.
Speaking during the second phase of the sensitization and enforcement exercise in Nnewi, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barr. Chijioke Ojukwu, emphasized that the ongoing operation forms a critical component of the government’s broader urban regeneration and development agenda.
He disclosed that the programme, tagged “Operation Show Your Physical Planning Permit,” is designed to ensure strict compliance with approved physical planning regulations, curb indiscriminate development, and reclaim public spaces that have been illegally occupied or encroached upon.
Barr. Ojukwu reiterated that the two-week ultimatum earlier issued to owners of illegal structures and shanties remains in force, stressing that no extension would be granted once the deadline expires.
According to him, the directive underscores Governor Soludo’s determination to build a modern, livable, secure, and investment-friendly Anambra State anchored on effective urban planning, environmental responsibility, and adherence to established development standards.
The Commissioner noted that the proliferation of illegal structures and unregulated developments has contributed significantly to flooding, traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and security challenges in major urban centres across the state, including Nnewi.
He urged affected property owners, developers, and occupants of unauthorized structures to take the notices seriously and comply within the stipulated timeframe, assuring that all enforcement actions would be carried out strictly in accordance with the law after the expiration of the grace period.
During the exercise, officials of the Ministry marked several illegal structures and issued removal notices across strategic locations in Nnewi, including Nkwo Market, Akamili, Uruagu, the NAUTH Permanent Site axis, and Eme Court Road.
Barr. Ojukwu further assured residents that “Operation Zero Shanties” would be sustained as part of the government’s efforts to eliminate environmental nuisances, prevent encroachment on public infrastructure, and discourage unsafe developments that pose risks to lives and property.
He called on residents, community leaders, traders, and other stakeholders to support the initiative, emphasizing that collective cooperation is essential to achieving a cleaner, safer, more organized, and economically vibrant urban environment for all.