Enugu Government Declares 90-Day Amnesty for Buildings Without Approved Plans
The Enugu State Government has announced a 90-day amnesty window for owners of buildings constructed without approved plans, in a move aimed at improving urban planning compliance and sanitising the state’s built environment.
The initiative, which took effect on February 27, 2026, was disclosed in a statement issued in Enugu by the Managing Director of the Enugu State Geographic Information System (ENGIS), Chiwetalu Nwatu. According to the statement, the amnesty provides property owners with an opportunity to regularise their buildings by obtaining the necessary approvals without facing immediate sanctions.
Under the new directive, owners of properties that were erected without formal approval are required to submit as-built drawings to ENGIS for assessment and approval. For those who do not have existing architectural drawings, the government has advised them to engage certified architects to prepare as-built plans that accurately reflect the current state of their structures. These documents must then be submitted within the 90-day grace period.
The state government said the measure is part of a broader push to entrench structured urban development and strengthen regulatory compliance across Enugu. By encouraging property owners to align with planning laws, authorities hope to create a more orderly physical environment while reducing the risks associated with unregulated construction.
Beyond the amnesty window, ENGIS issued a strong warning on future compliance. It stressed that no building plan approval will be granted without proof of registered land title. Acceptable title documents include a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) or a duly registered Deed of Assignment.
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The agency further emphasised that construction activities must not commence without both a valid land title and an approved building plan from the appropriate authority. These authorities include ENGIS, the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA), or designated town planning offices, depending on the property’s location.
Additionally, individuals and corporate bodies holding land under Power of Attorney arrangements have been advised to regularise their documentation. ENGIS warned that failure to register proper title instruments could affect eligibility for approvals and expose property holders to legal vulnerabilities.
Speaking on the policy, Nwatu described the amnesty as a corrective rather than punitive intervention. He explained that the government’s intention is not to penalise property owners but to provide them with an opportunity to come into compliance and avoid harsher consequences in the future.
“This window is not punitive; it is an opportunity for property owners to regularise their documentation without penalties while contributing to a more organised and secure urban environment,” he stated.
Nwatu added that the initiative aligns with the state’s ongoing land administration reforms, which seek to institutionalise transparency and accountability in land transactions. He stressed that going forward, land title documentation and building approvals would be treated as inseparable requirements.
Urban development experts have often pointed to the dangers of unapproved construction, including structural failures, encroachment on public infrastructure corridors, and disputes over land ownership. By enforcing stricter compliance measures, the state government aims to mitigate these risks and ensure sustainable development.
While some residents have welcomed the move as a fair opportunity for regularisation, others have expressed concerns over the cost implications of securing land titles and building approvals. Nonetheless, the government maintains that long-term urban order and legal protection for property owners depend on proper documentation and adherence to planning regulations.
With the 90-day window now open, property owners across Enugu are expected to take advantage of the amnesty period to bring their buildings into compliance and avoid potential enforcement actions once the grace period expires.