Imo State Issues 14-Day Removal Notice for Illegal Structures Under Owerri Power Lines
Imo State Governor, Senetor Hope Uzodimma
The Imo State Government has issued a 14-day ultimatum to owners of illegal structures erected under high-tension power lines in the Owerri North Local Government Area. The directive, announced on 19 January 2026, targets buildings and shanties situated within the protected right-of-way (RoW) of the 330kV national grid transmission line, which connects the Alaoji Transmission Station to the Egbu Transmission Station in Owerri.
Enforcement of Safety Standards and Right-of-Way
The notice was jointly issued by the Office of the Governor on Monitoring and Compliance and the Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA). Specifically, the directive affects structures in the Ishiuzo Egbu, Umuawaka, and Awaka axis. According to officials, these developments violate the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) safety regulations, which mandate specific setbacks for high-voltage installations to prevent electrical hazards.
Under existing Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) guidelines, the mandatory right-of-way for a 330kV line is 25 metres on each side of the centre line. Government representatives emphasised that the presence of residential and commercial activities within this zone poses an imminent risk of electrocution, fire outbreaks, and infrastructure interference.
Legal Consequences and Cost Recovery
The state government has warned that at the expiration of the 14-day window, the OCDA will commence a comprehensive demolition exercise. In a departure from routine enforcement, the government stated that the financial costs incurred during the demolition of these illegal structures will be recovered from the respective property owners.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Monitoring and Compliance, Chinasa Nwaneri, noted that the administration had previously engaged in public sensitisation regarding the dangers of building near high-tension cables. The current enforcement phase aligns with the Imo State Urban Renewal policy, which seeks to restore the state's master plan and safeguard public infrastructure.
Implications for Real Estate and Urban Planning
For real estate investors and developers, this enforcement action underscores the critical importance of verifying land titles and adherence to setback regulations before commencement of construction. The Owerri North corridor has seen rapid expansion in recent years, but the government’s stance indicates that urban development must not compromise public safety or the integrity of the national power grid.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the law, noting that while the removal of structures may cause temporary economic displacement, the long-term benefit of a safer and more organised urban environment remains the priority.
