By Our Correspondent
The Anambra State Government has issued a seven-day quit notice to all persons engaged in farming within the Jerome Udoji Secretariat Complex in Awka, directing them to immediately vacate the premises and surrender possession of the land.
In an official notice dated April 10, 2026, and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Nkiru Jessie Nwankwo, for the Head of Service, the government said the directive affects individuals occupying and utilizing undeveloped parcels of land within the secretariat complex for agricultural purposes.
The notice, titled “Notice to Quit and Deliver Possession (7 Days)”, stated that all affected persons must cease farming activities and remove all crops, tools, equipment, and personal belongings from the land within the stipulated period, which expires on April 17, 2026.
“I am directed to inform all persons currently occupying and/or utilizing the parcel of land within the Jerome Udoji Secretariat Complex, Awka, for farming purposes, that they are required to immediately vacate and relinquish possession of the said land,” the statement read.
It further warned that upon expiration of the notice, the government would take full possession of the land without further reference to any individual. Any crops, materials, or items found on the land after the deadline would be removed or disposed of accordingly.
“All concerned persons are hereby advised to comply strictly with this directive within the stipulated period,” the notice added.
The directive is expected to affect a number of civil servants and residents who had informally converted portions of the undeveloped land within the complex into small-scale farms.
While the government did not state the immediate reason for the eviction, sources within the civil service suggest the move may be linked to plans for development or reorganization of the secretariat environment.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official reaction from those affected by the order.
However, the development is likely to generate concern among individuals who rely on the plots for subsistence farming amid rising food costs.
The Jerome Udoji Secretariat Complex serves as the administrative hub of the Anambra State Government in Awka.
