Anambra Commissioner Wades into Building Materials Traders, Nteje Community Dispute Over N900,000 Development Levy

By Praise Chinecherem

Anambra State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barr. Chijioke Ojukwu, has intervened in the lingering dispute between the Allied Building Materials Dealers Union and the leadership of Nteje Community in Oyi Local Government Area over the imposition of a N900,000 development levy on developers.

The intervention followed a petition by the union, which accused the community leadership of demanding an exorbitant amount as a development levy on plots of land acquired by developers in the area.

Speaking at a meeting with representatives of both parties at his office, Ojukwu maintained that demanding community development levies from developers was against the law, warning that such practices could undermine the state government’s efforts to promote investment and economic growth.

He described the N900,000 levy per plot as excessive, noting that the practice could discourage investors, impede the ease of doing business and create conditions that encourage youth idleness.

The Commissioner stressed the need to create a business-friendly environment capable of attracting investors and stimulating development across the state.

According to him, some practices by community leaders could scare away prospective investors, thereby depriving host communities of the economic and infrastructural benefits associated with development.

Ojukwu called for the rescheduling of the meeting to allow both parties to further deliberate and explore an amicable resolution to the dispute.

He urged the stakeholders to approach the matter with an open mind and work towards a lasting solution that would protect the interests of the community and the business operators.

In his contribution, the Mayor of Oyi Local Government Area, Mr. John Igbem, appealed to both parties to embrace peaceful coexistence, stressing that unity and cooperation were essential for attracting development to Nteje.

Igbem maintained that the Allied Building Materials Dealers Market should be allowed to continue operating in Nteje rather than being forced to relocate, noting that its presence was important to the economic development of the community.

He also identified multiple sales of land by unscrupulous individuals as part of the factors fuelling disputes in the area, calling for an end to the crisis to create an enabling environment for growth and progress.

However, the President General of Nteje Development Union (NDU), Mr. Osoluchukwu Nweke, defended the community’s position, explaining that the payment of the levy was rooted in the community’s longstanding customary practices.

Nweke said the levy was traditionally collected whenever developers purchased land in any of the three quarters of the community.

He further argued that neighbouring communities, including Awkuzu, Umueri, Umunya and Nkwelle Ezunaka, reportedly collect higher amounts from developers.

The NDU President General lamented that internal disputes had continued to slow development in Nteje, revealing that more than 800 land-related cases had been brought to his attention since he assumed office.

He, however, expressed optimism that the intervention would produce a positive outcome, assuring that dialogue remained the best approach to resolving the disagreement and advancing the interests of all parties.

Meanwhile, executive members of the Allied Building Materials Dealers Union, Nteje, including Mr. Nnaemeka Onuzulike and Mr. Ferdinand Uko, appealed to the community leadership to receive the union members in good faith and embrace the spirit of brotherhood.

They also called for a review of the development levy through wider stakeholder consultations, arguing that the current amount could place an additional financial burden on business operators and disrupt their activities.

The meeting ended with a call for continued dialogue and stakeholder engagement towards resolving the dispute and ensuring a peaceful business environment that would promote investment and sustainable development in Nteje.

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