18/08/2026
BUILDING WITHOUT APPROVAL ILLEGAL, GADA TELLS ABA LANDLORDS
As part of the Greater Aba Development Authority's (GADA) mandate to ensure that buildings in Aba are not only constructed in approved locations, but also that developers obtain the necessary building permits and adhere to approved plans and safety standards, a team of professionals from the Osisioma District Town Planning office under GADA embarked on a massive sensitization and enlightenment campaign to Umuozuo in Osisioma Local Government.
Addressing the Non-Indigene Landlords' Association in Umuozuo, Osisioma Local Government Area, the District Town Planning officer in charge of Osisioma, Tpl. Chinyere Ibegbulam educated them on the importance of building with government approval and the risks of noncompliance with building regulations. She made it clear that, according to Town Planning law, it is illegal to commence any development in the state, especially in Aba, without a government building permit.
Tpl. Ibegbulam highlighted some benefits of obtaining building permits, including authenticating the legitimacy of the development, ensuring proper documentation in the Government Gazette, conformity of the development within its designated plan area, and receiving guidance from a team of certified professionals, among others.
She further noted that the risks include severe sanctions such as demolition if the development is not located in its designated plan area, collapse as a result of engaging non-professionals in the construction process, penalties for non-compliance with the law, and the possibility of development not being documented properly in the government database for effective physical planning.
She encouraged them to avoid agents and visit any Town Planning office in Aba where their property is situated before beginning any development, adding that the current Government under the leadership of Dr Alex Otti operates transparently and does not work with agents.
When asked about the fate of those who have previously constructed without government permits, the team responded that the government is offering a grace period for such individuals to visit the Town Planning office and regularize their developments; however, moving forward, the government will not tolerate this.
Representing the Association, the Chairman, Chief Sir Kenechukwu Okeke, expressed their satisfaction with the enlightenment. He remarked that many of their members are unaware of the law and its benefits, making this information very important to them. They pledged to comply with the law.
The session also included questions and answers.
Information Unit
GADA
17/8/2026
