The Anambra State Government has announced plans to demolish an estimated 5,775 buildings to make way for a proposed six-lane road along the Second Niger Bridge corridor in Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Oyi Local Government Area.

The state Commissioner for Works, Okey Ezeobi, disclosed the figure during the 2026 Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Anambra State chapter, held in Awka.

Speaking at the event, themed “From Vision to Legacy: Planning, Innovation and Inclusive Development for a Livable Environment,” Ezeobi attributed the scale of the proposed demolition to inadequate urban planning over the years.

He said the situation demonstrated the consequences of failing to prepare for population growth and future infrastructure needs, noting that residents were now facing the effects of past planning shortcomings.

“If there were a proper master plan, the people would not have to be paying such big price; but today, our people are paying the price because there was no planning,” the commissioner was quoted as saying.

The proposed road is expected to improve access along the Second Niger Bridge corridor, although further details regarding the project’s implementation, construction timeline and the specific properties to be affected were not provided in the reports.

The announcement is likely to raise concerns among residents and property owners in the affected area, particularly regarding compensation, relocation and the protection of property rights.

As of the time of reporting, the available accounts did not provide detailed information on the government’s plans for compensating affected property owners or resettling residents whose buildings may be demolished.

Ezeobi also highlighted the state government’s broader infrastructure ambitions, including plans for additional airports to accommodate future growth.

He said the government was developing a second airport and securing land for a proposed third airport as part of its long-term vision for Anambra by 2070.

The commissioner urged architects and other built-environment professionals to prioritise forward-looking planning and innovative solutions to address the challenges posed by population growth and limited land availability.

Meanwhile, the state Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Chiedozie Henry Arize, disclosed plans for a social housing scheme targeting civil servants, particularly secondary school teachers.

According to Arize, the first phase of the proposed development in Ebenebe, near Awka, is expected to provide 1,200 housing units, with additional phases planned subsequently.

He said the Federal Mortgage Bank would fund the project, while the state government would provide the land and subsidise the homes to make them affordable for eligible public servants.

The proposed demolition along the Second Niger Bridge corridor highlights the challenges facing urban development in densely populated areas, where infrastructure expansion can affect existing homes, businesses and communities.