Anambra Government Threatens to Blacklist Architects as Over 200 Building Plans Fail Legal Review
By Ruth Orji
The Anambra State Government has warned architects to strictly comply with the state’s Physical Planning Regulations or risk sanctions, including possible blacklisting from professional practice.
The warning was contained in a two page statement issued by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barrister Chijioke Ojukwu, and addressed to the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Anambra State Chapter.
According to the ministry, more than 200 building plans submitted to its Legal Review Department failed assessment for violating the setback requirements contained in Sections 10 and 11 of the Anambra State Physical Planning Regulations, 2015.
The statement revealed that many of the building plans exceeded the approved land coverage, with some structures occupying more than 90 percent of the available land, leaving no space for mandatory parking areas.
It further noted that several submissions lacked the required site allocation as stipulated in Section 3(1) of the regulations, while others contained material misrepresentations and should not have been endorsed or signed.
The ministry directed architects to uphold professional ethics and ensure full compliance with the state’s planning laws in the preparation and submission of building plans.
It warned that any architect who submits plans that violate the Physical Planning Regulations will face appropriate sanctions, including possible blacklisting from further professional engagements with the ministry.
