The Anambra State Government has vowed to reclaim government lands illegally acquired across the state and has commenced plans to set up a committee for the recovery of such properties.
The state Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, disclosed this in a statement released on Tuesday following the 25th Anambra State Executive Council meeting held at the Government House, Lighthouse, Awka, on December 15, 2025.
Mefor said the council took several key decisions at the meeting, including the constitution of a committee to reclaim government lands currently under illegal occupation.
“After hearing another report about people blatantly intruding on government lands and building on them without permission, the council resolved to form a committee to reclaim these government lands in and around Anambra State,” he said.
He noted that the council also reiterated its position that erosion remains an existential threat to the state, blaming the worsening situation on the careless actions of some residents and regulatory lapses.
“The council once again emphasised that erosion is an existential issue in Anambra State, citing the careless actions of communities and regulatory bodies that have disregarded environmental regulations.
“For instance, some residents direct stormwater from their homes onto roads, where it accumulates in destructive patterns and contributes significantly to the erosion crisis currently affecting the state,” Mefor stated.
According to him, the council resolved to strengthen enforcement measures to compel residents to properly manage stormwater within their premises, while communities would be required to adhere strictly to environmental guidelines.
“ANSEC decided to step up enforcement to ensure people properly manage stormwater from their houses and that communities comply with specific guidelines, including constructing erosion barriers and excavating sand only in approved locations,” he added.
Meanwhile, the commissioner disclosed that the State Executive Council approved the release of a total of N530.3m for the execution of key infrastructural projects across the state.
He said N95.3m was approved for the provision of water supply to the Ekwulobia Flyover Bridge Fountain and ornamental garden, awarded to Double NC Construction & Logistics Ltd.
According to the statement, the council also approved the release of N172.2m for landscaping the car park of the Trauma Centre at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka, awarded to Triseconds Resources Ltd.
It further approved N93.4m for the installation of a three-way traffic light system, including pedestrian lights, at the Ifite-Amenyi intersection within Awka metropolis, awarded to S.N.U. Ventures.
Also approved was the release of N50.4m for the supply and installation of two 10kVA inverters with 15kW lithium batteries at the Anambra State Civil Service Commission building in Awka, awarded to Kennolly Enterprises.
Additionally, the council approved N1.19m for the supply and installation of transformer substations at two locations in Nnewi and Umueze-Anam communities, awarded to Aries and Gold Ventures Ltd and Aljovic Construction Ltd.
According to a Public Notice on illegal layouts and estates by the Anambra State Ministry of Lands in August 2025, the Anambra State Government has, in recent years, intensified efforts to curb illegal land acquisition and environmental degradation across the state, particularly as rapid urbanisation continues to put pressure on public assets and infrastructure.
The notice confirmed that government lands in major urban centres such as Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi and their adjoining communities have increasingly come under encroachment by private developers, often without proper authorisation, leading to loss of public property and disruption of development plans.
It noted that the issue of erosion has also remained a major concern for successive administrations in the state, with Anambra recording one of the highest numbers of gully erosion sites in the country. Poor drainage systems, indiscriminate sand excavation and the uncontrolled diversion of stormwater have been identified as key contributors to the worsening erosion crisis.
It added that as part of measures to address these challenges, the current administration has stepped up environmental enforcement, embarked on erosion control projects and prioritised infrastructure development to improve urban management, traffic control and public service delivery.
The approval of funds for water supply, traffic management, health facility landscaping and power infrastructure aligns with the state government’s broader agenda to strengthen urban infrastructure, protect public assets and promote sustainable development across Anambra State.
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