The Enugu State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring economic growth, with the aim of increasing the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from $4 billion to $30 billion.
Central to this goal is the development of the agribusiness sector, which Governor Dr. Peter Mbah has described as a key avenue for creating employment, increasing internal revenue, and attracting large-scale investments.
Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-industrialisation, Mr. Patrick Ubru, reassured the public about the government’s commitment to transparency, fairness, and community-centered policies.
He noted that Governor Mbah’s administration has placed a strong emphasis on responsible and inclusive land acquisition practices to ensure that these agribusiness investments benefit both the investors and the local communities.
This vision was formalized through the issuance of the Executive Order No. 001 of 2024, which establishes the Framework for Responsible and Inclusive Land Intensive Agriculture (FRILIA).
The order, signed by the Governor, aims to ensure that the land acquisition process for agricultural purposes adheres to international best practices, protecting the rights of local communities while encouraging growth in the agricultural sector.
The Commissioner’s remarks came in response to online rumours that accused Governor Mbah of attempting to acquire ancestral lands in the Eha-Amufu community of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, allegedly for settlement of non-indigenous herders.
The report also claimed that a sum of N30 billion had been paid to community leaders to facilitate this land transfer.
Ubru was quick to debunk the allegations, noting that such claims were “completely fake and mischievous.”
He assured the public that the current administration remains committed to transparency and integrity, emphasizing that no such actions would ever be taken under a government that prioritizes the welfare of its people.
The Executive Order No. 001, which is publicly available for scrutiny, guarantees that all land acquisitions will be carried out with the full consent of the local communities and will adhere to international standards.
This framework is designed to ensure that large-scale agribusiness investments are undertaken with fairness, while also ensuring that the local communities reap the rewards of such investments.
Ubru further explained that the state government has put in place mechanisms to support the implementation of the FRILIA framework, including the establishment of the FRILIA Steering and Technical Committees, which will oversee the land acquisition and agribusiness development processes.
He added that a grievance redress mechanism has been set up to address any concerns raised by affected communities, ensuring that the process remains open and accountable.
