By Ruth Orji
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barr. Chijioke Ojukwu, received Environmental Health Officers Association of Nigeria, Awka Chapter, during an advocacy and courtesy visit in Awka, June 25.
State President, Mr. Ikechukwu Obasoanya, congratulated the Commissioner on his appointment, describing him as an experienced professional whose leadership would strengthen the ministry and advance sustainable development across Anambra State.
Obasoanya explained the visit introduced environmental officers’ responsibilities, achievements, operational challenges, and sought stronger collaboration with the ministry to improve environmental law enforcement, compliance, and healthy urban development statewide.
He stressed environmental officers ensure quality building standards by recommending adequate ventilation, airspace, drainage systems, and other essential facilities that promote healthier living conditions in residential and commercial structures.
Commissioner Ojukwu urged environmental officers to broaden their activities beyond physical planning by intensifying inspections of food production facilities, restaurants, slaughterhouses, and other public places affecting community health.
He observed many restaurants require kitchen inspections, while numerous slaughterhouses lack adequate water supply and hygienic conditions, emphasizing strict enforcement of Public Health Law provisions to safeguard residents’ wellbeing.
The Commissioner clarified environmental health officers cannot seal ongoing building projects, explaining their responsibility is issuing compliance notices and recommendations, while only physical planners possess statutory authority to seal sites.
Environmental Officer, Mbanugo Ifunanya, explained the ministry operates through Local Planning Authority and Development Control units, emphasizing fieldwork remains essential for effective service delivery and regulatory enforcement statewide.
Permanent Secretary Barr. Jesse Nwankwo, General Manager Mr. Ajulu, and other environmental officers attended the meeting, reaffirming commitment to stronger inter-agency collaboration for sustainable urban planning and environmental protection.
Ruth is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State.
