The Anambra State Government has started revoking ownership of undeveloped landed properties in designated government estates as part of efforts to enforce orderly urban development. The action was confirmed by the Managing Director of the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), Dr. Ossy Onuko, during an enforcement exercise on Thursday.

The exercise began at Awka Millennium City Estate, Agu-Awka, a project envisioned by Governor Chukwuma Soludo as a model modern city aimed at promoting a green, organised and liveable Anambra. According to Onuko, the revocation drive is designed to compel property owners to develop their allocated plots and turn the estate into a functional residential community, in line with the original vision of the project.

Onuko explained that the move falls under ACTDA’s “Operation Keep Awka Clean,” which focuses on proper urban planning and active land use. He noted that many individuals acquired government land with the agreement to develop within three years but failed to commence construction. The government, he said, is determined to end land speculation and ensure that plots are reassigned to developers ready to build within approved timelines.

Also speaking, the Head of ACTDA’s Development Control Unit, Mr. Charles Ekwunife, described the slow pace of development in the estate as disappointing. He stressed that the Memorandum of Understanding signed with developers required visible progress within the first three years. The state government, he added, remains committed to enforcing development standards to ensure estates deliver real value to residents.