The End of “Anyhow” Buildings in Awka Capital Territory

By Sylvia Tochukwu-Ngige

[AWKA, July, 2026]

Yesterday in Awka, bulldozers spoke louder than warnings. The Awka Capital Territory Development Agency, ACTDA, pulled down illegal shops and marked more structures for removal along Immigration Road and in Nibo. And honestly? It was long overdue.

Let’s call it what it is. Some developers in Awka have been testing the system. Build under high tension wires. Block government facilities. Take over road setbacks. Erect blocks of shops on access roads. Then act surprised when government shows up.

ACTDA said one developer was served a stop-work notice on Monday. He ignored it. By Tuesday, his illegal project was rubble. That’s not cruelty. That’s consequence.

The MD/CEO of ACTDA, Dr. Ossy Onuko put it plainly: “We will not tolerate anyhowness in Awka Capital Territory.” And he’s right!

A capital city cannot grow anyhow and expect to function. Buildings under power lines are not just illegal, they are death traps. Shops on road setbacks today become traffic gridlock tomorrow. Destroyed government facilities today become millions in repairs tomorrow that you and I will pay for.

This enforcement is not about witch-hunting. It’s about order, safety, and the Awka we all say we want: safe, orderly, and beautiful.

The real issue:
Many people still start building without visiting ACTDA. They rely on “I know someone” or “nothing will happen.” But when the bulldozer comes, the loss is personal. Millions gone. Years of investment wasted.

ACTDA’s advice is simple and free: Go to the office first. Get approval. Get guidance. It saves you money and saves Awka.

With Anambra’s population booming, pressure on land will only increase. If we don’t enforce the Master Plan now, we will inherit chaos later.

So to developers: Build right. 
To residents: Report illegal structures. 
To all of us: Awka’s future is a shared project.

The era of “anyhow” is over. And for once, that’s good news.

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Sylvia Tochukwu-Ngige Founder, Editor |  http://sylviangige.com  | Where women’s power meets real life.

Link:

ACTDA Official Portal: [link to http://actda.an.gov.ng if available]