Your Land Is in the Village? You Still Need a Building Permit!
By Alufo Bonaventure
Owning land is a valuable asset and an achievement worth celebrating. However, ownership does not give anyone the automatic right to develop the land without complying with relevant laws and planning regulations.
Across Anambra, buildings are springing up daily without the necessary government approvals. Shops, houses, churches and other structures are being erected without due regard to the required planning procedures.
While the desire to develop property is understandable, development must be carried out legally and in accordance with approved planning standards.
Section 34(1) of the Anambra State Physical Planning Law, 2013, provides the legal framework for regulating physical development in the state. The law requires anyone intending to undertake development on land to first obtain the appropriate building permit and development approval from the relevant authority.
The requirement applies whether the property is located in Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi or a rural community. Being in the village does not exempt anyone from the law.
Before laying a foundation or constructing a shop, bungalow, duplex, estate, warehouse, school, hospital, church or any other structure, the developer is required to obtain the necessary building permit or development approval from the Anambra State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development (MPPUD).
Obtaining approval before construction begins comes with important benefits.
Build legally: Securing the necessary approvals helps property owners avoid demolition, penalties and possible legal action while protecting their investments.
Build smart: Proper planning helps prevent flooding, road encroachment, blocked drainage channels and other hazards. It also promotes safer, orderly and sustainable communities.
Ignoring the approval process may appear faster or cheaper at the beginning, but it can become far more expensive in the long run, with potential losses of money, time and, in serious cases, lives.
The Anambra State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development remains committed to promoting safe, orderly and sustainable physical development across the state.
Its officers are available across the 21 local government areas to guide property owners and developers through the approval process. The objective is to ensure compliance and orderly development, not to witch hunt anyone.
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