By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

In its continued drive for urban renewal aimed at transforming the commercial city of Nnewi, 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 the city.

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

The renewal will affect notable areas of the city like, the popular Nnewi Triangle axis, Nkwo axis, Post office area, Igwe Orizu Road Hundred Foot Road, Anaedo Road, Ezemewi Road, and sections of the Nnewi–Owerri Road right-of-way and also 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, not just order, but improve infrastructure, and reposition Nnewi as a modern industrial and commercial hub in the state.

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

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

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

Ojukwu said: “The notices also 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.

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

“The renewal programme will 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.”

While acknowledging the temporary inconvenience the exercise may cause, Ojukwu urged residents and business owners to cooperate with the government, even as he 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.