Property owners in Enugu State who erected structures without approved building plans have been granted a 90-day window to regularise their documents, in what the government describes as a major push to restore order to the state’s urban development framework.
The initiative, announced on Friday by the Managing Director of the Enugu State Geographic Information System (ENGIS), Chiwetalu Nwatu, is aimed at improving regulatory compliance and sanitising the built environment.
According to the statement, the amnesty will be implemented in collaboration with relevant planning authorities and offers owners of existing buildings the opportunity to secure proper approvals without facing immediate sanctions.
What Property Owners Must Do
Under the directive, property owners without approved building plans are required to submit as-built drawings through ENGIS for assessment and approval. Those who do not already have architectural drawings have been advised to engage certified architects to prepare as-built plans that accurately reflect the current state of their structures.
The agency said the measure is designed to reinforce orderly physical development and align with the administration’s broader urban planning agenda.
New Rules: No Title, No Approval
Beyond the amnesty period, the government signalled stricter enforcement.
ENGIS stressed that no building plan approval will henceforth be granted without a registered land title. Acceptable documents include a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) or a registered Deed of Assignment.
It further warned that no construction should commence without both a valid land title and an approved building plan issued by the appropriate authority, including ENGIS, the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA), or designated town planning offices.
The agency also urged individuals and corporate bodies holding land under Power of Attorney arrangements to regularise their documentation by registering proper title instruments to ensure eligibility for approvals and full legal protection.
‘Not Punitive, But Corrective’
Speaking on the policy, Nwatu described the amnesty as a forward-looking intervention rather than a sanction-driven exercise.
“This window is not punitive; it is an opportunity for property owners to come into compliance without penalties while helping the state build a more organised and secure urban environment,” he said.
He added that the reform forms part of a broader land administration overhaul in the state.
“Going forward, we are institutionalising a culture where land title and building approval go hand in hand. This is critical for protecting genuine property owners and ensuring Enugu grows in a planned and sustainable manner,” Nwatu stated.
The 90-day amnesty took effect on Friday, February 27, 2026, after which stricter enforcement measures are expected to commence.
