Update On Operation Repaint Houses: Anambra Sets July 1 Deadline for Property Owners to Repaint Buildings or Face Stiff Sanctions

 

Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has introduced a fresh initiative aimed at overhauling the visual landscape of Anambra State. Landlords and property owners in key urban and semi-urban centers have been handed a firm ultimatum by the state government: repaint your buildings by July 1, 2025, or face the consequences.

The directive, unveiled by the Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Felix Odimegwu, is part of the broader mission championed by Soludo to establish a cleaner, smarter and greener state. With Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi, Ekwulobia, Nkpor and other developing towns marked for immediate focus, the plan targets visible transformation in the physical appearance of buildings, especially those that have long been neglected.

Property owners are now racing against time, as the state has announced that environmental inspectors will commence building assessments without delay. Full enforcement of the policy will kick off at the start of July. Odimegwu emphasized that the directive has the full backing of the Anambra State Environmental Management, Protection and Administration Law 2024.

According to him, the law, particularly Part 4, Section 79 (1–7), provides the legal framework for the Ministry of Environment to implement initiatives related to urban aesthetics and environmental upkeep. This clause empowers the ministry to act decisively when it comes to the external condition of private and public structures within the state.

What prompted this government action, Odimegwu explained, is the poor state of many buildings that have remained untouched for a decade or more. Faded paint, peeling walls and worn-out exteriors have created an atmosphere of neglect across several parts of the state. Many of these structures are situated in areas where they are highly visible to the public, or as described in local parlance, “anya ora.”

Soludo’s administration is determined to change that narrative. The government believes that achieving a visually appealing urban environment contributes significantly to economic growth, tourism, health and general wellbeing. By reinforcing building maintenance obligations, officials hope to inspire a culture of civic pride and shared responsibility among residents.

The new rule also aims to improve structural integrity where possible. Though painting may appear largely aesthetic on the surface, it also serves the practical function of preserving walls and preventing weather-related damage. In humid regions like Anambra, unpainted or poorly maintained surfaces deteriorate faster, leading to greater structural challenges over time.

The campaign has been described as a dual-purpose effort, with a keen focus on both environmental enhancement and infrastructure preservation. Government sources confirm that enforcement will be comprehensive. There will be no exceptions for abandoned properties, partially completed buildings or old homes unless they meet the newly defined aesthetic standard.

Commissioner Odimegwu called on all landlords, estate managers and property developers to act swiftly. He added that there would be no need for reminders or grace periods once the July 1 deadline passes. Any building that does not conform to the updated visual criteria will be subject to fines and other penalties as stipulated in the new law.

Enforcement teams will carry out door-to-door inspections, equipped with the authority to issue on-the-spot citations. Local councils have been directed to collaborate with state environmental officers to facilitate access to different neighborhoods and ensure uniform application of the directive.

Several community leaders have expressed support for the initiative. They note that a cleaner, more attractive environment can boost community morale and encourage investment. Others, however, have raised concerns about the cost implications for low-income property owners who may struggle to meet the deadline.

The Environment Ministry has hinted at the possibility of exploring partnerships with local paint manufacturers to offer discounted products. Though no official subsidy program has been announced, there are ongoing discussions about ways to support compliant landlords and reduce the financial strain of repainting.

Soludo's government appears determined to deliver on its promise of transformation. From roads to drainage systems, and now to urban beautification, the administration is setting a fast-paced agenda. Whether this momentum will inspire widespread compliance remains to be seen, but what is clear is that Anambra’s skyline is about to change—colorfully and definitively.