By Chizoba Okeke
The Anambra State House of Assembly has called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to direct the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) and the Anambra State Physical Planning Agency (ANSPPA) to intensify monitoring and enforcement of physical development regulations across the state.
The call followed the adoption of a resolution arising from a motion sponsored by the member representing Dunukofia Constituency, Hon. Chuks Azotani, and seconded by Hon. Ebuka Igwe of Idemili South Constituency during plenary.
Presiding over the session, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, read the resolution, which was unanimously adopted by lawmakers through a voice vote. The Speaker described the motion as timely and critical, stressing that effective enforcement of physical planning laws is essential to public safety, orderly development, and sustainable urban growth.
Moving the motion, Hon. Azotani urged the relevant agencies to ensure strict compliance with approved physical development plans, building permits, and layout schemes in line with existing laws. He noted that the Awka Capital Territory Law of 2020 and the Anambra State Physical Planning Law of 2013 were enacted to provide a clear legal framework for urban and regional planning in the state.
The lawmaker expressed concern that despite ongoing reforms by the agencies, some property developers continue to violate approved building plans and layout schemes, a trend he warned poses serious risks to public safety and undermines orderly development.
He noted that improved monitoring, stricter enforcement, and enhanced inter-agency coordination would help identify and sanction defaulters.
Contributing to the debate, the Majority Leader, Hon. Ikenna Ofodeme, the Minority Leader, Hon. Johnbosco Akaegbobi, and the member representing Aguata Constituency 1, Hon. Anayo Okpalaeke, cautioned that persistent disregard for planning regulations could endanger lives and property, while also reducing revenue accruable to the state from building permits and related levies.
Other lawmakers, including Hon. Golden Iloh (Ihiala 1), Hon. Tony Muobike (Aguata II), Hon. Emma Nwafor (Orumba South), Hon. Chidiebele Ibemeka (Njikoka 1), and Hon. Jude Umenajiego (Onitsha South II), maintained that strict compliance with planning regulations would strengthen the effectiveness and revenue-generating capacity of the agencies.
They added that this would significantly support Governor Soludo’s vision of building a liveable, orderly, and prosperous Anambra State.
Chizoba is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
