The Anambra State Government, through the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, has launched Operation Show Your Building Permit, directing developers across major cities in the state to submit evidence of their building approvals for verification.
State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barrister Chijioke Ojukwu, issued the directive while leading ministry officials on an inspection tour of the Ogbunike Wood Market, Ogidi Building Materials Market, parts of Nnewi, and Oye-Agu Market in Abagana. During the exercise, Ojukwu flagged lock-up shops constructed by the Njikoka Local Government Area as non-compliant with the state’s physical planning laws, insisting they would be demolished for failing to provide adequate parking spaces.
Speaking after the exercise, Ojukwu warned that only licensed professionals in the building industry would henceforth be permitted to handle development projects in the state. He advised developers to engage qualified, licensed professionals and to familiarise themselves with the state’s physical planning laws in order to avoid sanctions or the demolition of completed projects.
The Commissioner reiterated that the state government would not hesitate to demolish any structure found in violation of physical planning laws, regardless of whether it was owned by government, individuals or groups.
During the exercise, ministry officials also marked shanties and illegal structures in the areas visited and directed the owners of certain buildings to submit evidence of approval within two weeks or risk having their structures demolished.
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