Every second brings Nigerians closer to exercising their democratic right and shaping the future of our nation.
Exercise your democratic right responsibly, peacefully and lawfully.
The Abia State Government has withdrawn the development permit issued for Trademore Estate in Ubani, Umuahia, following the discovery of several alleged breaches of planning and building regulations.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, announced the decision on Tuesday while briefing journalists on resolutions reached at the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.
Kanu explained that the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) inspected the estate after residents raised concerns over flooding and structural defects. The inspection, he said, found that the development was situated on swampy land designated for agricultural use.
He further disclosed that the developer initially secured approval for only two structures—a semi-detached two-bedroom bungalow and a three-bedroom bungalow—but went on to develop a full estate. According to him, the application also lacked key planning documents, including a survey plan, site plan, site analysis, estate layout and environmental impact assessment.
The commissioner said the government also found no evidence of payment of the required administrative charges or technical contributions from relevant professionals and government agencies. He added that the identified breaches prompted the state to revoke the permit, while additional steps to address the situation would be announced.
Kanu also said Governor Otti had ordered the formation of an inter-ministerial committee involving the UCDA and the Ministries of Works, Environment and Lands to tackle persistent flooding in Ogurube and Ehimiri layouts in Umuahia. The committee was given two weeks to submit its recommendations.
On other environmental challenges, the commissioner said work was progressing on erosion and flooding control in Atta Emede Ibeku, with erosion-site clearing completed, while lateral filling, drainage excavation and concreting had reached 90 per cent, 95 per cent and 90 per cent respectively.
He added that government interventions were also ongoing at the World Bank Housing Estates in Aba and Umuahia, as well as IBB Layout, following needs assessments aimed at improving infrastructure and living conditions.
The UCDA General Manager, Kingsley Agomoh, said the revocation was based on the developer’s failure to adhere to approved land-use requirements. He assured legitimate plot owners in the area that they should not be worried, explaining that the government’s action was focused on correcting planning violations and ensuring compliance with development regulations.
