UCCDA Moves to Curb Unauthorized Developments, Strengthen Urban Order in Uyo
The Uyo Capital City Development Authority (UCCDA) has intensified its enforcement drive to curb unauthorized developments and ensure strict compliance with approved planning regulations within the Akwa Ibom State capital.
This renewed effort follows a city-wide inspection exercise conducted on Thursday, October 23, 2025, by a joint UCCDA monitoring team led by its Executive Chairman, Rt. Hon. Anietie Eka. The exercise was aimed at assessing compliance levels, verifying suitability of developments, and addressing cases of encroachment and structural violations across selected locations in Uyo.
Among the sites visited were an unauthorized fellowship house located on a petitioner’s land off Oron Road in Mbiabong; a proposed welding workshop near the entrance of Shelter Afrique Housing Estate; trench excavations for fence foundations encroaching on drainage channels along Godwin Amaowoh Avenue, Ikot Abasi Idem; illegal structures at Ifa Ikot Idang and Ifa Ikot Okpon Junction; and the Obio Etoi Community Market.
During the inspection, several of the developments were found to have breached the city’s physical planning and zoning standards. Some structures were identified as unsuitable for their current locations due to safety, environmental, and residential considerations.
Consequently, the UCCDA team issued demolition notices to affected property owners, granting a grace period for voluntary removal. The Authority also declined approval for the proposed welding workshop near Shelter Afrique Estate, describing it as inconsistent with the area’s residential land-use plan and environmental standards.
At the Obio Etoi Community Market, officials observed that the facility remained largely underdeveloped and difficult to access, a challenge linked to ongoing road construction in the area. Hon. Eka assured that accessibility and market operations would improve significantly upon the completion of surrounding infrastructure projects.
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Speaking after the exercise, the UCCDA Chairman reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to maintaining a clean, safe, and well-planned urban environment that aligns with the city’s approved master plan.
“Our mission is to ensure that every development in Uyo complies with planning standards and contributes positively to the city’s long-term vision of orderliness and beauty,” Hon. Eka stated. “These periodic inspections are part of our strategy to sustain environmental sanity, verify compliance with approvals, and preserve the aesthetics of the capital city.”
He expressed concern over the proliferation of unauthorized markets within the metropolis, especially following the closure of Urua Ebot. According to him, several informal markets have sprung up along Abak Road, Stadium Road, and adjoining neighborhoods, often obstructing traffic and defacing the cityscape.
“We will soon commence a comprehensive clampdown on illegal roadside markets and makeshift trading points,” Eka warned. “The goal is not to inconvenience traders but to restore order, ensure safety, and safeguard public spaces from indiscriminate use.”
He emphasized that the UCCDA’s enforcement actions were not punitive but corrective, aimed at guiding residents, developers, and businesses toward lawful development practices.
“The Uyo Capital City is growing rapidly, and we must manage that growth responsibly. Our interventions are about protecting lives, property, and investments while maintaining the standards that define a modern and investor-friendly city,” he added.
Hon. Eka reiterated that the Authority’s operations are aligned with the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno, which prioritizes sustainable urban planning, infrastructure development, and improved quality of life for residents.
“Under Governor Eno’s leadership, we are building a functional, beautiful, and well-organized city — one that supports business growth, tourism, and healthy living,” the Chairman affirmed.
The UCCDA inspection exercise was part of ongoing measures to strengthen urban order, discourage indiscriminate developments, and uphold Uyo’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing and most livable state capitals.
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