Anambra State officials will begin enforcing a directive from July 1 that requires property owners to repaint buildings showing visible signs of wear or environmental deterioration particularly in key urban centres including Onitsha, Awka, Nkpor, Nnewi, and Ekwulobia
Commissioner for Environment Dr. Felix Odimegwu issued the notice on Thursday, stating the initiative is part of the government’s plan anchored in the recently passed Environmental Management, Protection and Administration Law 2024 (Part 4, Section 79) to revitalise public spaces and reinforce building integrity.
According to him, buildings not repainted in the past decade or whose current state appears unsightly will be inspected, and owners will be expected to comply.
The objective, he explained, is twofold: to preserve and strengthen aging structures and to enhance urban aesthetics and ecological appeal. He added, “A clean, beautiful and eco-friendly Anambra is possible if we join hands together to improve her aesthetic ambience.”
The Commissioner also warned of regulatory consequences for non-compliance. After inspections begin, inspectors will monitor public-view buildings and issue notices to repaint. Those who ignore warnings may face sanctions outlined in the law, including potential fines and other enforcement actions .
This sweeping repainting campaign dubbed “Operation Repaint Your Buildings” or Ka Anambra Chakee is part of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s vision to transform Anambra into a smart, aesthetically pleasing, and eco-conscious state. The Environmental Law provides a legal basis for inspection, beautification, cost recovery, and even property sealing if owners refuse to comply.
The initiative taps into growing concerns over urban decay as fast-paced development has outpaced maintenance efforts. Public spaces marked by peeling paint and structural wear have sparked demands for an urban facelift to match rising development standards .
As July 1 approaches, homeowners and businesses in the targeted localities are being urged to freshen up façades and uphold new aesthetic standards. Behind the initiative lies a broader push to instill environmental discipline, reinforce infrastructure, and elevate Anambra’s public image. Authorities say the success of this urban renewal effort depends on the cooperation of all stakeholders.
This campaign is more than a surface-level beautification drive. With urbanisation accelerating, neglecting building upkeep can undermine public confidence, compromise safety, and diminish economic appeal. Anambra’s government is using regulation to push maintenance standards, signalling a new chapter in state-level infrastructural governance and citizen accountability.
