Following the gravity of illegality that bedevilled the process of land acquisition in Imo state, land agents and grabbers who pose themselves as agents of government to rift Imolites of their land inheritance, are warned to desist from such shady deals forthwith, otherwise be ready to be arrested and face the full weight of law.
On this development therefore, the Imo state government has publicly advised developers to consult the ministry of lands for proper checks and approval before any land purchase or payment is made.
In the foregoing, the Ministry of Lands, Survey and Physical Planning has issued a public notice declaring its intent to acquire a vast parcel of land measuring approximately 500.008 hectares in Nkarahia, Umuapu, located in the Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area for public use.
In a document signed and issued by the lands commissioner, Barr Onuegbu in Owerri, Nigeria – March 21, 2025, Titled, “GOVERNMENT MOVES TO ACQUIRE 500 HECTARES OF LAND IN NKARAHIA UMUAPU FOR PUBLIC USE, CALLS FOR CLAIMS” land owners in this particular area are called to go for claims.
“In a decisive move reflecting the Imo State Government’s commitment to infrastructural development, the Ministry of Lands, Survey and Physical Planning has issued a public notice declaring its intent to acquire a vast parcel of land measuring approximately 500.008 hectares in Nkarahia, Umuapu, located in the Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area.
“The land, known as “OGBURUZO OGWU”, has been earmarked for compulsory acquisition under Sections 28 and 29 of the Land Use Act of 1978 — a provision that empowers state governments to take over lands for projects deemed beneficial to the public.
“In a public notice referenced LOG 1588/15 and dated March 21, 2025, the Honourable Commissioner for Lands, Barr. Enyinna Onuegbu (KSC), stated unequivocally that all interested parties or persons with developments on the affected land must, within six (6) weeks from the date of this announcement, submit a formal statement of interest. This must be accompanied by documented evidence of ownership or development to the Ministry’s office located at Block 7, State Secretariat Complex, Owerri.
“The Government of Imo State is ready to pay compensation to anyone who has verifiable interest in the said parcel of land,” the notice reads.
This notice, issued under the authority of Governor Hope Odidika Uzodinma (CON), signals a bold and determined stride by the government in its efforts to expand development footprints across the state. It also serves as a clarion call to landowners and stakeholders in the affected area to come forward promptly and regularize their claims.
The government’s tone is firm: failure to comply within the stipulated timeframe may result in the forfeiture of any potential compensation or recognition of claims.
Analysts believe this acquisition could be tied to a major project that would transform the economic or infrastructural landscape of Ohaji/Egbema and the state at large, though official details of the intended use are yet to be disclosed.
As the clock ticks on the six-week deadline, the ball is now in the court of those with legitimate claims to act swiftly, lest their silence be taken as forfeiture. The Imo State Government, it seems, is not waiting. The statement read in parts and official copy is attached in this News article by 9News Nigeria Owerri.
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