By Ndife David, Nnewi
The Anambra State Government has launched a fresh demolition offensive in Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area, pulling down an unauthorised three-storey building under construction and several shanties as part of its renewed enforcement of physical planning laws.
The demolition exercise, carried out on September 1, 2026, was led by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barrister Chijioke Oseloka Ojukwu, under the ministry’s “Operation Zero Shanties” and “Operation Show Your Permit” initiatives.
The exercise commenced at Akabukwu, Uruagu, where the three-storey building under construction was demolished over alleged violations of approved physical planning regulations.
The enforcement team subsequently moved to Nkwo to Nkwo, Umudim, Okpunoeze Junction and the St. Mary’s Catholic Church axis, where several shanties and other unauthorised structures were removed.
Speaking with newsmen during the operation at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Ojukwu said the exercise was part of the ministry’s sustained efforts to restore order and ensure compliance with approved building plans and physical planning regulations across the state.
He declared that the government would no longer tolerate impunity in the building sector, stressing that all developments must comply with existing laws and obtain the necessary planning approvals before construction begins.
The commissioner also rejected suggestions that Nnewi was being singled out for demolition, explaining that similar enforcement operations had already been conducted in Onitsha, Nkpor, Nkwele Ezunaka and Ogbunike, while other cities would also be affected.
Ojukwu warned developers, property owners and business operators against erecting structures or conducting commercial activities without the required government approvals.
He said affected property owners had been given adequate notice before the enforcement exercise and urged residents to comply with planning regulations to avoid demolition and other sanctions.
The commissioner further advised traders whose shanties were removed to relocate to existing markets within the city, insisting that the exercise was being undertaken in the broader public interest.
Some residents, including Chief Jerry Okeke, Ephraim Nwaka and Paul Mokwe, welcomed the government’s urban renewal efforts but appealed for adequate notice and the provision of alternative trading locations for businesses displaced by the demolition.
The latest exercise has heightened attention on the Anambra Government’s renewed campaign against illegal structures as authorities intensify efforts to make Nnewi and other urban centres cleaner, safer and more orderly.
Tags: #Nnewi #Anambra #Demolition #PhysicalPlanning
