‎Soludo issues demolition notices to 500 illegal, unsafe property owners

The Anambra State Government has begun issuing demolition notices to more than 500 owners and occupiers of illegal, dilapidated, and unsafe structures across Nnewi.

This action is part of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s urban renewal programme, which aims to transform the commercial city.

During a recent inspection visit to Nnewi, the governor outlined his plans to rebuild the city so that it reflects its status as an industrial centre.

The issuance of demolition notices, led by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, represents the first step in fulfilling that promise.

The regeneration initiative, which the governor described as comprehensive, is designed to restore order, improve infrastructure, and reposition Nnewi as a modern industrial and commercial hub.

Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Chijioke Oseloka Ojukwu, said the affected structures include shanties built beneath high‑tension power lines, buildings erected without approved setbacks, unauthorized developments, filling stations, hotels, and other decrepit structures that pose hazards to public safety and urban development.

He added: “The targeted locations span major corridors and strategic areas of the city, including the Nnewi Triangle axis, Hundred Foot Road, Post Office area, Anaedo Road, Igwe Orizu Road, Ezemewi Road, Nkwo axis, and sections of the Nnewi–Owerri Road right‑of‑way, as well as other major Trunk A road corridors in Otolo, Umudim, and Uruagu.”

“This action is in line with Governor Soludo’s vision of building a cleaner, safer, and more orderly urban environment. It will lay the foundation for the comprehensive regeneration of Nnewi and the restoration of its position as a premier industrial and commercial hub,” Ojukwu said.

Ojukwu also explained that the notices serve as a formal warning to owners of structures obstructing the right‑of‑way of the newly dualized Nnewi–Owerri Road and other areas earmarked for redevelopment under the state’s urban transformation agenda.