The Abia State Government has taken another big step in its plan to improve agriculture by partnering with two major agribusiness companies Presco Nigeria Plc and SIAT Nigeria Ltd.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, who led a meeting at the Ministry of Agriculture in Umuahia, praised Governor Alex Otti for creating a friendly environment that continues to attract serious investors to the state.
He explained that developing the oil palm sector is a major priority for the government because it will help strengthen food security, create jobs and boost the state’s economy.
Speaking for the investor group, Mr. Wosanma Augustine shared Presco/SIAT’s plan to start a large oil palm project covering 10,000 hectares of land across 52 communities in Ulonna North, Ulonna South, Abam (Arochukwu), Ohafia and Bende LGAs. He said a technical team will begin a three-day field assessment to choose suitable sites, study both new and existing farmland, and collect soil samples for testing.
A detailed report will later guide discussions with communities and other stakeholders.
The Commissioner for Lands, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije, explained the challenges involved in acquiring large areas of land, noting that land is a culturally sensitive issue. He said all processes must follow the Land Use Act and must clearly show public benefit.
He assured the investors that the government will help with land identification, community engagement, surveying and valuation but emphasized that investors will cover the cost of the land acquisition process.
Both the government and the investors agreed that good community relations, environmental protection and social responsibility must guide the project. Relevant ministries promised full technical and administrative support during the assessment period.
Key action steps include:
Presco/SIAT technical team to begin field assessments and soil sampling
Ministry of Lands to provide early land-use data and technical support
Ministry of Agriculture to help with field access and local contacts
PPP Office to review the partnership and finalize engagement procedures
Second phase of the project (community consultations and implementation planning) to begin after the assessment report is completed
The Abia State Government restated its commitment to working with credible agribusiness investors to unlock the state’s agricultural potential and support sustainable development.
The meeting was attended by top government officials, including:
Dr. Cliff Agbaeze (Commissioner for Agriculture)
Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije (Commissioner for Lands)
Pastor Ekpendu Gabriel (Director, PPP/IP)
Dr. Onu Nwokedi (Director, Epidemiology)
Dr. Ojo Umah Ojo (Director for Agriculture)
Dr. Victus Nadozie Nwoko (Head, Veterinary Services)
