The Anambra State Government has unveiled sweeping reforms aimed at restructuring the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development while tightening regulations against fraudulent developers, land grabbers, and unqualified practitioners in the construction sector.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barr. Chijioke Ojukwu, announced the measures during a strategic engagement with representatives of key professional bodies in the built environment sector across the state.
The meeting brought together stakeholders from the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Nigerian Institute of Architects, Association of Town Planning Consultants of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Institute of Builders to discuss pathways for strengthening development control and professional standards.
Ojukwu said the reforms align with Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s vision of building a modern, orderly, and sustainable urban environment driven by effective planning and strict regulatory compliance.
He noted that while the Structure Plan for Awka, Onitsha, and Nnewi was developed in 2009, inadequate legal backing and weak implementation mechanisms had limited its full execution over the years.
According to the commissioner, the government is determined to ensure strict adherence to approved development plans to promote coordinated growth and curb indiscriminate construction activities across the state.
As part of the reforms, the state is reviewing relevant laws to criminalize land grabbing and restrict operations in the sector to only licensed developers and certified professionals.
Ojukwu further disclosed plans to sanction and criminalize the engagement of quacks and unqualified persons in building projects, stressing that the move is essential to public safety and sustainable infrastructure development.
He urged professionals to maintain valid registrations with their regulatory bodies and called for stronger collaboration among practitioners, clients, and government agencies to uphold industry standards.
The commissioner also announced that all construction sites would be required to display project information boards, while the ministry’s Building Development Control Team intensifies monitoring and enforcement.
In their separate remarks, the Chairman of the Anambra State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, Ikenna Michael Onuorah, alongside town planners Emma Ifemedebe and Mmaduakonam Amaechina, commended the ministry for its ongoing efforts and expressed support for initiatives aimed at promoting professionalism, accountability, and sustainable urban development across the state.
They noted that the measures would strengthen compliance with planning regulations, enhance the quality of the built environment, and contribute to orderly and sustainable growth in Anambra State.
Anambra Government Restructures Ministry, Intensifies Crackdown On Fraudulent Developers And Quack Contractors.
