Demolition Notices Issued To Over 500 Illegal, Unsafe Structures In Nnewi

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

The Anambra State Government has commenced the issuance of demolition notices to more than 500 owners and occupiers of illegal, dilapidated and unsafe structures across Nnewi, as part of its continued drive for urban renewal aimed at transforming the commercial city.

The affected properties include shanties erected beneath high-tension power lines, buildings constructed without approved setbacks, unauthorised developments, filling stations, hotels and other decrepit structures considered hazardous to public safety and urban development.

Key areas slated for the renewal include the popular Nnewi Triangle axis, Nkwo axis, Post Office area, Igwe Orizu Road, Hundred Foot Road, Anaedo Road, Ezemewi Road, sections of the Nnewi–Owerri Road right-of-way, and other major trunk A road corridors in Otolo, Umudim and Uruagu.

The exercise, led by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, marks the first phase of a comprehensive regeneration initiative designed to restore order, improve infrastructure, and reposition Nnewi as a modern industrial and commercial hub within the state.

Speaking during the enforcement exercise, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barrister Chijioke Oseloka Ojukwu, said the action aligns with Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo’s vision of building a cleaner, safer and more orderly urban environment.

He explained that the plan would lay the foundation for the comprehensive regeneration of Nnewi and the restoration of its position as a premier industrial and commercial hub.

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According to Mr Ojukwu, the affected structures include shanties, dilapidated buildings, unapproved developments, filling stations, hotels, and properties encroaching on public rights-of-way or posing environmental and safety risks.

“The notices also serve as a formal warning to owners of structures obstructing the right-of-way of the newly dualised Nnewi–Owerri Road and other areas earmarked for redevelopment under the state’s urban transformation agenda,” he said.

“More than 500 owners of illegally constructed structures have been served notices and granted a two-week ultimatum to comply before government enforcement.”

The commissioner added that the renewal programme would facilitate the completion of the long-abandoned Nnewi Triangle Mall, alongside the development of modern bus terminals, recreational centres and other public infrastructure designed to enhance economic activity and urban mobility.

“The initiative follows Governor Soludo’s recent inspection tour of Nnewi and forms part of a broader strategy to reclaim abandoned public assets, eliminate urban blight, address infrastructure deficits, and create a more functional and attractive city environment,” Mr Ojukwu said.

Whilst acknowledging the temporary inconvenience the exercise may cause, he urged residents and business owners to cooperate with the government, and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to enforcing physical planning laws with fairness and firmness in pursuit of a cleaner, safer and more prosperous Nnewi city.