Abia Govt Revokes Trade-More Estate Building Permit, Cites Massive Infractions 

Sets up inter-ministerial committee to tackle flooding in Umuahia

UMUAHIA — Abia State Government has revoked the building permit of Trade-More Estate, Ubani, Umuahia, over massive infractions, including developing a full estate on swampy land designated for agricultural purposes with approval for only two bungalows.

Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this during a post Exco briefing at Government House, Umuahia.

He said the Umuahia Capital Development Authority, UCDA, carried out site inspection following complaints of flooding and defective structures from residents.

According to him, findings indicated that the estate was built on a swampy area, and the developer submitted a building plan for only two buildings, a semi-detached two-bedroom and a three-bedroom bungalow, but proceeded to develop a whole estate.

He listed missing documents to include no survey plan, no site plan, no site analysis report, no layout plan, no Environmental Impact Assessment, no evidence of environmental fees and no technical vetting by relevant professionals.

“Consequently, in view of the foregoing infractions, building permit of that estate has been revoked,” Kanu said.

The General Manager of UCDA, Kingsley Agomuo, said the illegality dates back to March 2015, and in 2024, the same developers attempted to build a market on same space which was stopped.

He said last week when UCDA enforcement team went to stop ongoing work, they were attacked and held hostage, requiring intervention of Operation Crush to rescue them.

Agomuo said people who bought properties there have nothing to worry about, insisting that the permit issued to developers stands revoked, and further steps will be communicated.

In a related development, Kanu said Governor Alex Otti has directed an inter-ministerial committee involving UCDA, Ministries of Works, Environment and Lands to come up with lasting solution to perennial flooding affecting Ogurube, Ehimiri and adjoining layouts in Umuahia.

He said the committee had been given a two weeks to submit its report, noting that the State Government was determined to address the recurring flooding problem in the affected areas through a coordinated intervention.

The Commissioner also informed that the flood and erosion control work at Ata-Emede Ibeku has reached 100% clearance of erosion sites, 95% excavation for drainage and 90% concrete work, assuring relief for residents soon.