…Urge ACTDA, ANSPPA To intensify their Monitoring and Enforcement efforts
Anambra State House of Assembly has urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo to direct the Managing Director, Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) and Chairman, Anambra State Physical Planning Agency (ANSPPA) to intensify their monitoring and enforcement efforts towards ensuring compliance with approved Physical Development Plans, Building Permits, and Layout Schemes in Line with the Awka Capital Territory Law 2020 And Anambra State Physical Planning Law, 2013 respectively.
The call was made at plenary on Thursday through a motion moved by the lawmaker representing Dunukofia Constituency, Bar. Chuks Azotani.
Leading the debate, Hon. Azotan maintained that the Anambra State House of Assembly passed the Awka Capital Territory Law 2020 and Anambra State Physical Planning Law, 2013 respectively, which were duly assented to and which govern all urban and regional planning matters within boundaries of Anambra State.
According to Azotani, who is the House committee Chairman on Environment, the two aforementioned Agencies since their establishment, have been charged with the responsibility of planning, approving, monitoring, and enforcing compliance with regulations governing physical developmentactivities as applicable to each across the State;
“Despite the commendable efforts and reforms undertaken by the Agencies, a number of property developers continue to flout the provisions of their duly approved building plans and layout schemes, thereby contravening theLaw and undermining orderly development in the State.
Expressing his worries, Azotani noted that
such persistent violations, if not urgently addressed, pose serious threats to public safety, endanger lives and property, as well as reduce the revenue accruable to the State through building permit fees and related levies;
“Improved monitoring, stricter enforcement, and greater coordination by the Agencies will help identify and sanction defaulters, ensure compliance with planning regulations, and ultimately enhance the Agencies effectiveness and revenue-generating Capacity, thereby contributing significantly to Mr. Governor’s vision of building a livable and prosperous Anambra State”. Azotani submitted.
Supporting the motion, Hon Ebuka Igwe (Idemili South), Hon. Tony Moubike (Aguata two), Minority Leader, Hon. Johnbosco Akaegbobi, Hon. Anayo Okpalaeke (Aguata one), Hon. Golden Iloh (Ihiala two), Engr. Emma Nwafor (Orumba South), Deputy Majority Leader, Dr. Jude Akpua (Njikoka two), Hon. Chidi Ibemeka (Njikoka one), Hon. Jude Umennajiego (Onitsha South two) and Bar. Mimi Azikiwe (Onitsha North One) in there separate submissions, called on ACTDA, ANSPPA to intensify their monitoring and enforcement efforts.
” This motion is about safety. Anambra state has witnessed many incidents of building collapse with casualties. As the people’s representatives, it is important for us to intervene by ensuring that we stop this urgly trend.
“It is unacceptable when someone get approval for a story building, but instead, go against the approval by building something different.
“Anambra government aims to bring sanity to the state and this is the time to make this call.
“The primary function of any government is the protection of lives and property. This is a wake up call to the mentioned agencies to do the needful.
” The head of this Agencies needs to appear before this House and explain to ndi Anambra the situation of things happening in the field”. the lawmakers submitted.
Anambra Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze who presided plenary, commended Azotani for sponsoring the motion.
Rt. Hon. Udeze urged the House Committee on Environment to do more investigation through their over sight function. He also encouraged the implementation and compliance of the Physical Planning Law.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that the House adjurned and to reconvene on Tuesday 27th January 2026.
