By Mbidoaka Livinus
The Imo State Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Physical Planning has visited the palace of the traditional ruler of Umudibia, Nekede, HRH Eze Godwin Merenini, as part of government’s ongoing engagement with host communities following the acquisition of 30 hectares of land for the Iheoma Marginal Field Project.
The Commissioner, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, the State Surveyor-General, and key directors of the ministry, revealed that Governor Hope Uzodimma had secured Federal Government approval for the exploration of the Iheoma Marginal Field.
He disclosed that Imo State would serve as a major stakeholder in the project, noting that Governor Uzodimma’s foresight had positioned the state as a key investor in the oil and gas sector, a move expected to yield significant economic benefits in the years ahead.
According to him, the government is acquiring only 30 hectares of land, which will host a modular refinery, office complexes, and parking facilities for tankers. He stressed that the acquisition was being carried out on behalf of the Federal Government solely for the refinery project and not for allocation to individuals.
He further explained that although the government had earlier acquired the area housing the Christmas Tree facility, it decided to adjust the boundaries slightly to prevent demolitions and minimize environmental impact, reflecting the administration’s human-centered approach to development.
The Commissioner appealed to residents of Umudibia to avoid bitterness and suspicion, assuring that the government’s intentions were in the best interest of the people.
In his remarks, HRH Eze Godwin Merenini commended the state government for adhering to due process and for directly engaging the community before proceeding with the land acquisition.
He noted that while Umudibia has hosted several major government projects — including the Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Industrial Cluster, and Mechanic Village ,this was the first time the government had come directly to consult the people and gauge their reactions.
The monarch lauded Governor Uzodimma’s transformative leadership, particularly his strides in the oil and gas sector, and pledged his community’s support and cooperation to ensure the successful realization of the modular refinery project.
Eze Merenini, however, appealed to the government to consider the community’s interests, especially the need to preserve land for future generations.
Other speakers, including the President-General of Umudibia Community and the Councillor representing Ward 7, Nekede, also pledged their commitment to working with the government to actualize the project.
It will be recalled that the Iheoma Marginal Field, located within Oil Mining Lease (OML) 50, was discovered several years ago but remained undeveloped until the intervention of Governor Uzodimma.
The state government had earlier issued a public notice on August 30, 2025, announcing the acquisition of 30 hectares of land for the project.
0 Comments