Akwa Ibom Govt Revokes All Land Allocations Since Gov Umo Eno’s Tenure

The decision, described as a bold move to address irregularities and promote equitable land use, was disclosed by the Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, Capt. Iniobong Ekong (rtd), during a press briefing in Uyo on Monday.

The revocation targets undeveloped plots and allocations marred by fraudulent practices, particularly those involving land speculators who have exploited government-designated areas for personal gain. 

“This administration is committed to ensuring that land allocations serve the public interest and align with the ARISE Agenda,” Ekong stated, referencing Governor Eno’s blueprint for agricultural revolution, rural development, infrastructure expansion, security management, and education advancement. 

The commissioner emphasized that the move aims to reclaim lands for strategic projects, such as industrial parks, housing estates, and agricultural initiatives, to foster economic growth and job creation.

The decision follows a pattern of proactive land management under Eno’s administration. 

In August 2023, the governor ordered the revocation of undeveloped plots within the Ibom Industrial Park at Mbak Itam 3, Itu Local Government Area, to make way for proposed fashion and shoe factories. 

Similarly, earlier this year, the state took over the disputed Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve in Eket, Esit Eket, and Ibeno, declaring it government property after communal clashes over ownership. 

These actions reflect the administration’s stance against land grabbing and unauthorized encroachments, with Ekong reiterating that “the government will not tolerate speculators who frustrate our development goals.” 

The announcement has sparked mixed reactions. Some residents, including community leaders from Anua Offot, Use Offot, and Ifa Ikot Okpon in Uyo, expressed concerns, alleging that prior land acquisitions by the state, such as Anyam Farmland along New Ring Road 3, were made without adequate compensation. 

They cited a 2021 agreement under former Governor Udom Emmanuel, where N100 million was promised but only N13.1 million paid, urging the government to address these grievances. 

In response, Ekong dismissed accusations of land grabbing against Governor Eno as “laughable,” asserting that the state is acting within its legal mandate to manage land for public benefit. 

He advised citizens to engage licensed lawyers for land transactions to avoid falling victim to scammers, who have been reported to pose as landowners around government-designated sites like Uyo and Ibesikpo Asutan. 

The revocation also includes lands allocated for residential and commercial purposes, such as those intended for the Emily Haven Residential Estate, which was meant for low- and middle-income earners but allegedly misallocated to political elites. 

Legal disputes have emerged, with firms like Viro-Tech Projects Limited and Serob Legends Resort Limited suing the state for N31 billion over a 1,805-hectare property at Dominic Utuk Avenue, Uyo, claiming forceful takeover without compensation. 

The case remains pending at the Federal High Court in Uyo. 

Governor Eno, addressing the issue during a recent town hall, reiterated his administration’s commitment to transparency and development. 

“We are not here to take what belongs to our people but to ensure that every inch of Akwa Ibom’s land is used for the greater good,” he said, urging affected parties to provide verifiable documentation for review. 

The government has directed the Ministry of Lands to conduct a comprehensive audit of all allocations and issue a public proclamation on the revocation process.

As part of the state’s broader vision, the reclaimed lands will support initiatives like the Ibom Model Farms, affordable housing for civil servants, and infrastructure projects, including 766 kilometers of roads currently under construction. 

The administration has also tasked local governments to provide 50 to 100 hectares of land for agro-empowerment programs to boost food security, a key component of the ARISE Agenda. 

The revocation is expected to streamline land administration, curb speculative practices, and pave the way for transformative projects, though the government faces the challenge of addressing compensation disputes to maintain public trust.