The Abia State Government has started discussions with communities and other stakeholders over a proposed 20,000-hectare oil palm project by Presco Plc in Abia North Senatorial Zone.
The talks are being coordinated by the Ministry of Lands together with other ministries, local government councils, and development partners. The project is part of the government’s efforts to improve agriculture, create jobs, develop rural areas, and strengthen the state’s economy.
During a meeting with stakeholders, representatives of Presco Plc met with officials from the Ministries of Lands and Agriculture, the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Office, and chairmen of local government areas in Abia North. They discussed the project, land matters, and ways communities would be involved before the project begins.
Presco Plc, which has operated in Nigeria since 1991, explained that the project would be carried out in stages across communities in Bende, Ohafia, Arochukwu, and Isuikwuato Local Government Areas.
The company said the project is expected to create about 5,000 direct and indirect jobs and also attract more investments in agro-processing, transportation, refining, and other related businesses.
Speaking at the meeting, the Commissioner for Lands, Hon. Chaka Chukwumerije, said Governor Alex Otti’s administration is focused on bringing development and investment opportunities to communities across the state.
He explained that the project would follow all legal and environmental guidelines. He added that important steps such as environmental impact checks, community approval, proper land surveys, fair compensation, and legal protection for host communities would be put in place.
Some community leaders expressed worries over past land-related issues that were not properly handled. In response, government officials assured them that there would be clear agreements, fair payment plans, legal protection, and land return arrangements if the project is not completed as agreed.
The meeting also looked at partnership plans that would allow communities to benefit from the project in the long term.
As the next step, local government officials and community leaders are expected to hold town hall meetings and consultations before technical assessments begin.
The meeting was attended by government officials, chairmen from Bende, Isuikwuato, Arochukwu, and Ohafia LGAs, representatives of Presco Plc, officials from different ministries, and other stakeholders, including former Ohafia LGA Chairman, Chief David Ogba (Bourdex).
At the end of the meeting, stakeholders agreed to continue discussions with local governments and host communities to ensure the smooth implementation of the proposed project.
