The Anambra State Government has announced plans to develop a mass housing policy in partnership with private-sector investors as it seeks to address rising rents and growing housing shortage in the state.
The decision was among several key resolutions adopted during the second meeting of the Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC) in Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s second term, held at the Government House complex, known as the Light House, in Awka.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr. Law Mefor, said the council expressed concern over the state’s housing deficit and resolved to increase housing supply through public-private partnerships.
“The Council decried the housing deficit in Anambra State and resolved to address the supply side of the market to tackle the twin challenges of rising house rents and inadequate housing availability,” Mefor said.
As part of broader governance reforms, the council also directed that companies seeking government contracts must provide proof of tax compliance as a prequalification requirement for future bidding processes.
Benefiting from Public Contacts
According to the government, the measure is intended to ensure that firms benefiting from public contracts contribute to the state’s revenue base and operate as responsible corporate partners.
The council further approved a policy requiring greater involvement of academics and professionals from state universities in the design, execution and evaluation of government projects.
Officials said the initiative would strengthen collaboration between academia and government while promoting practical application of research and technical expertise.
In another move, the council proposed new legislation aimed at protecting public infrastructure and regulating the scrap metal industry.
The proposed law would require the licensing of scrap dealers, including operators dealing in end-of-life vehicles, amid growing concerns over vandalism and theft of public assets.
“The legislation follows increasing reports of vandalism and theft of public property across the state,” the statement said.
The council also approved several infrastructure and public service projects, including ₦801.7 million for the construction of a floodwater diversion channel at Ezioko in Oko-Nanka, Orumba North Local Government Area. The contract was awarded to Lebtech Construction Ltd.
Additionally, ₦279.5 million was approved for the supply and installation of medical equipment and accessories at General Hospital, Oroma Etiti, with the contract awarded to Calyzid Ventures.
A further ₦92.7 million was approved for landscaping and external works at Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe, with the project awarded to Ozoh United Ventures Nigeria Ltd.
During the meeting, council members also observed a minute of silence in honour of retired Lieutenant General Chikadibia Isaac Obiakor, a former senior Nigerian military officer and United Nations official who recently died.
Obiakor served in several senior command positions within the Nigerian Army, including as General Officer Commanding of the 2 Division and later Chief of Administration at Army Headquarters.
Internationally, he served as Force Commander of the United Nations Mission in Liberia and became the first African appointed as the United Nations Military Adviser for Peacekeeping Operations in New York in 2008.
The latest council decisions form part of the Soludo administration’s efforts to expand infrastructure, strengthen governance and address socio-economic challenges in Anambra State.
