The Abia State Government has taken a significant step toward revitalizing its agricultural sector through a partnership engagement with leading Agribusiness investors, Presco Nigeria Plc and SIAT Nigeria Ltd. The meeting, held on Tuesday, 25th November 2025, at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Agriculture in Umuahia, was chaired by the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, FCIB.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Agbaeze welcomed the visiting delegation and commended the administration of His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, for fostering a conducive environment for investment. He emphasized that Agriculture, particularly oil palm development, remains a strategic priority for Abia State and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to credible agribusiness collaborations that enhance food security, create employment, and boost economic growth.
Representing Presco/SIAT, Mr. Wosanma Augustine outlined the company’s intention to partner with the state on a large-scale oil palm development project. The investors are seeking 10,000 hectares of farmland across 52 communities in Ulonna North, Ulonna South, Abam (Arochukwu), Ohafia and Bende LGAs. A technical team from the company is scheduled to conduct a three-day field assessment to identify suitable sites, determine greenfield and brownfield areas, and collect soil samples for laboratory analysis. Following the assessment, a comprehensive report will be submitted to the company’s management before the commencement of community engagement and stakeholder consultations.
The Honourable Commissioner for Lands, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije, addressed the process and complexities involved in large-scale land acquisition. He noted that land is culturally, and ancestrally sensitive, and under the Land Use Act, acquisition must meet overriding public interest. He emphasized that while Government will facilitate administrative processes such as land identification, community sensitization, enumeration, surveying, and valuation, investors should provide the financial resources required to execute the land acquisition efficiently.
Both parties agreed that sustainable community engagement, social responsibility, and environmental considerations must guide the development process. The ministries involved further pledged technical and administrative support toward ensuring the success of the initial assessment phase.
Presco/Siat Nigeria Ltd will begin field assessments and soil sampling across the identified locations.
The Ministry of Lands will provide preliminary land-use data and technical support.
The Ministry of Agriculture will coordinate local contacts and field access.
The Public Private Partnership Office will review the partnership framework and formalize engagement protocols.
A second phase of engagement—covering detailed stakeholder consultations, technical review, and project implementation planning, will follow upon submission of the assessment report.
The Abia State Government reiterates its readiness to partner with reputable investors in order to unlock the vast potential of the state’s agricultural sector and promote inclusive, sustainable development.
