By Ikeugonna Eleke
The Anambra State Government has given a directive to residents of the state to repaint their buildings to enhance the aesthetics of the state.
A press release by the Commissioner for Environment, Engr. Dr. Felix Odimegwu, warned that residents of the state who failed to do so by July 1 would face sanctions.
The release stated that the initiative formed part of Governor Soludo’s broader vision to transform Anambra into a smart, modern mega city- where visual order, environmental responsibility, and livability would go hand in hand.
The directive is backed by the Anambra State Environmental Management, Protection and Administration Law, 2024, and was announced in a public notice dated June 17, 2025.
According to the notice, government inspectors would begin inspections across key cities, including Onitsha, Awka, Nkpor, Nnewi, and Ekwulobia, while full enforcement would begin, July 1, 2025.
Part of the directive read: “This exercise is aimed at strengthening existing building structures, improving the aesthetic ambience, and expanding the green space of the state”.
It stated that buildings that had not been repainted in the last 10 years, or those with peeling, faded, or having unsightly paint, were firmly in the government’s sights – particularly those located in public view.
“The legal authority for this action stems from Part 4, Section 79 (1–7) of the 2024 Environmental Law, which empowers the Ministry of Environment to enforce measures for environmental improvement and urban beautification.
“A clean, beautiful, and eco-friendly Anambra is possible if we join hands together to improve her aesthetic ambience,” the Commissioner added.
The government has urged residents and business owners to comply immediately, warning that failure to do so would attract penalties as provided by law.
