Enugu Assembly: Centenary City Land Acquisition Improperly Handled

The Enugu State House of Assembly has identified significant irregularities in the documentation surrounding the acquisition of land for the Centenary City project in the state. After an investigation by its Special Committee on Lands, led by Hon. Iloabuchi Aniagu, the Assembly found that the acquisition process for the nearly 1,000-hectare land was not conducted according to proper procedures and lacked adequate consultation with the affected parties. The report revealed that the Amechi and Obeagu communities, who claim the land as their ancestral property, were largely excluded from the process. The Assembly also called on the state government to address the ongoing dispute between the Amechi and Obeagu communities in the Enugu South Local Government Area. The land, which is reportedly encroached upon by Private Estates International West Africa Ltd (PEIWA), was acquired without sufficient negotiation or meaningful involvement of the affected communities. Lawmakers, including the Speaker, expressed concern over the rising tensions in the area and stressed the need for urgent mediation to restore peace. The House urged Governor Peter Mbah to establish a high-level panel to address the grievances and ensure transparency and fairness in the state’s land administration. Furthermore, the Assembly appealed to all parties to engage in dialogue, supporting Governor Mbah’s broader efforts to resolve the ongoing issues surrounding land acquisition and management in Enugu State.