More than 500 people in Nnewi have been sent demolition orders by the Anambra State Government for occupying or owning unlawful, decrepit, or hazardous buildings.
The commercial city is set to undergo a transformation as part of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s ambitious urban renewal program.
During his recent inspection visit to Nnewi, the governor unveiled his plans to restore the city to its former glory as an industrial powerhouse.
First step in delivering on the pledge is the issuance of demolition notices, which is spearheaded by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
The governor characterised the rehabilitation plan as comprehensive; its goals include bringing Nnewi back into order, improving infrastructure, and transforming it into a modern commercial and industrial center.
According to Chijioke Oseloka Ojukwu, the commissioner for physical planning and urban development, the affected structures include shanties built beneath high-tension power lines, buildings without approved setbacks, unauthorised developments, hotels, petrol stations and other rundown buildings that pose a threat to public safety and urban development.
According to him, the chosen spots cover important thoroughfares and key areas of the city, such as the Nnewi Triangle, Hundred Foot Road, Post Office area, Anaedo Road, Igwe Orizu Road, Ezemewi Road, Nkwo axis, parts of the Nnewi-Owerri Road right-of-way, and other significant Trunk A road corridors in Otolo, Umudim, and Uruagu.
This move aligns with Governor Soludo’s goal of creating a city that is safer, more orderly, and cleaner for everyone. This will set the stage for Nnewi’s complete revitalisation and the return of its status as a leading commercial and industrial center.
Officials from the state’s urban transformation agenda have issued warnings to property owners whose buildings block the right-of-way of the recently dualised Nnewi-Owerri Road and other designated redevelopment zones, according to Ojukwu.