By Ndife David, Nnewi.
The Anambra State Government has intensified its crackdown on illegal development in Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area, demolishing an unauthorised three-storey building under construction and several shanties as part of its renewed enforcement of physical planning regulations.
The demolition exercise, carried out on September 1, 2026, was led by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barrister Chijioke Oseloka Ojukwu, as part of the ministry’s “Operation Zero Shanties” and “Operation Show Your Permit” initiatives.
The demolition began at Akabukwu, Uruagu, where the three-storey building under construction was pulled down over alleged violations of planning regulations.
The operation was later extended to areas including Nkwo to Nkwo, Umudim, Okpunoeze Junction and the St. Mary’s Catholic Church axis, where several shanties and unauthorised structures were removed.
Speaking with newsmen during the exercise at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Ojukwu said the action was part of the ministry’s sustained efforts to ensure compliance with approved building plans and regulations across Anambra State.
He warned that government would no longer tolerate impunity in the building sector, stressing that every development in the state must comply with the law and obtain the necessary planning approvals before construction begins.
Ojukwu also dismissed claims that Nnewi was being singled out for demolition, saying similar enforcement exercises had been carried out in Onitsha, Nkpor, Nkwelle Ezunaka and Ogbunike, with other cities scheduled for further action.
He warned developers, property owners and business operators against constructing or carrying out commercial activities in structures without the required approvals, adding that affected property owners had been given adequate notice ahead of the exercise.
The commissioner also advised traders affected by the removal of shanties to make use of other markets within the city, saying the exercise was being carried out in the general interest of the public.
Residents, including Chief Jerry Okeke, Ephraim Nwaka and Paul Mokwe, welcomed the urban renewal effort but appealed for adequate notice and alternative trading locations for displaced businesses, as the government continues its drive to make Nnewi safer, cleaner and more orderly.
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