The Anambra State Government has demolished more than 5,000 shanties and makeshift structures across Awka Capital City as part of a sustained urban renewal and environmental enforcement drive aimed at restoring order, improving security, and enforcing approved development standards.
The demolition exercise is unfolding alongside a major policy decision by the state government to revoke undeveloped estate lands within Awka that have failed to comply with approved development models over a five-year period.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), Ozo Ossy Onuko, disclosed this on Monday while addressing journalists in Awka, describing the action as a necessary step to protect the city’s master plan and discourage land speculation.
According to Onuko, the revocation process—scheduled to commence from Wednesday—is backed by a clear government mandate authorising ACTDA to enforce compliance with development specifications issued by the Ministry of Lands and the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA).
Targeting Idle Estate Lands and Speculation
Onuko explained that several estates within the capital territory were allocated public land under specific development covenants, including timelines and minimum thresholds for construction. However, many developers allegedly failed to honour these conditions, choosing instead to hold on to the land while waiting for property values to appreciate.
“Some estates were given public land with clear caveats for development. Five years later, nothing has been done. Government will no longer allow land banking and speculation to distort the growth of the capital city,” he said.
He warned that estates unable to demonstrate meaningful development within the stipulated period would face revocation, adding that the policy is designed to ensure that land allocated for public interest purposes serves its intended function.
“If you cannot meet the specifications of the Ministry of Lands and ANSIPPA, and you cannot show evidence of development within the approved timeframe, the government will reclaim the land,” Onuko stated.
Demolition of Shanties and Urban Order
On the demolition of shanties, the ACTDA boss described the exercise as part of the ongoing “Keep Awka Clean” campaign, a continuous urban sanitation and enforcement programme that has been in operation for over three years.
He revealed that more than 5,000 shanties had been pulled down since the commencement of the campaign, significantly altering the physical outlook of the capital city.
“We have demolished about 5,000 shanties since we came on board. The difference is visible. Awka today is cleaner, safer, and more organised,” he said.
According to him, the proliferation of shanties had not only defaced the city’s environment but also posed serious security risks.
“These makeshift structures often serve as hideouts for criminal elements. When you remove them, you improve security and restore confidence in the city,” he noted.
Onuko added that the disorderly nature of shanty settlements undermined the aesthetics and functionality of Awka as a modern capital city.
Addressing Livelihood Concerns
Responding to concerns about the economic impact of the demolitions on informal traders, Onuko said the government had adopted a compassionate and inclusive approach by providing alternatives to affected persons.
He disclosed that the state government constructed Solution Arenas—open commercial spaces equipped with basic amenities—to accommodate traders displaced from shanty locations.
“At places like Abakaliki Street, also known as Club Road, we built Solution Arenas with open shops and allocated them to traders free of charge,” he said.
According to him, the facilities were provided without any form of rent, levy, or tentage fees, and were equipped with amenities such as boreholes and conveniences to ensure a conducive trading environment.
“Our goal was not to destroy livelihoods but to reorganise the city in a humane way,” he added.
Enforcement of Walkway and Setback Rules
Onuko stressed that walkways and road setbacks would no longer be tolerated as trading spaces, noting that such practices posed risks to pedestrians and traffic flow.
He revealed that compliance with the new rules had reached over 70 per cent, with the government targeting at least 90 per cent compliance across the capital city.
To balance enforcement with economic realities, he said the government had designated specific areas for trading, maintaining a minimum setback of three metres from walkways.
He cited Regina Caeli Junction as an example, where government deliberately preserved an open space for tricycle operators and informal trading activities rather than allocating it to private investors for commercial use.
“We even turned down investors who wanted to build a filling station there. That space was secured for public use, and it has improved order in the area,” he said.
Urban Planning and Capital City Vision
Onuko emphasised that the entire exercise was driven by a broader vision to transform Awka into a functional, organised, and investor-friendly capital city.
“We are giving developers and residents a clear picture of what a capital city should look like. Order, safety, and planned development are non-negotiable,” he said.
He added that the government had adopted structured engagement procedures with affected communities and traders before enforcement actions were taken.
“This is not arbitrary action. There are standard procedures, consultations, and engagements before any demolition or revocation,” he said.
A Balance of Empathy and Enforcement
Describing the approach as a balance between empathy and firm governance, Onuko said the government remained mindful of the country’s economic challenges but insisted that disorder could not be allowed to define the state capital.
“This is governance with compassion, but also with responsibility. Awka must reflect the aspirations of Anambra State,” he said.
The demolition and revocation exercises are expected to continue in phases as the government intensifies efforts to enforce urban planning laws, curb land speculation, and reposition Awka as a modern administrative and economic hub.
