NIPOST Decries Land Encroachment in Abia, Governor Otti Orders Swift Recovery Measures
The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has expressed serious concerns over escalating encroachment on its landed properties in Abia State, prompting Governor Alex Otti to mandate immediate actions, including a thorough survey and recovery of affected assets. This decisive intervention came after a formal complaint lodged by the Abia State Postal Manager of NIPOST, Mrs. Winifred Amadi, during her inaugural visit to the governor in Umuahia.
Appeal for Government Protection and Collaboration
Amadi urgently appealed to the state government to safeguard NIPOST's properties and halt the activities of individuals allegedly encroaching on lands housing its facilities. She highlighted a specific incident in Item, Bende Local Government Area, where NIPOST staff were reportedly forced out by suspected land grabbers, underscoring the severity of the issue.
NIPOST operates numerous post offices and related facilities across Abia State, many of which are observed to be underutilized or abandoned, largely due to declining patronage of traditional postal services. In response, the postal manager proposed key areas of collaboration with the state government, such as adopting NIPOST's Express Mail Service (EMS) as the official logistics courier for government correspondence, parcels, and merchandise. Additionally, she suggested introducing a commemorative postal stamp to showcase Abia's rich cultural heritage on a global scale.
Governor Otti's Firm Response and Directives
Governor Otti condemned the encroachment on NIPOST lands as illegal and unacceptable, assuring that the state would take decisive steps to resolve the situation. He directed the Commissioners for Lands, as well as Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, to execute a proper survey of all NIPOST properties, clearly demarcate them, secure the assets, and ensure their return to the federal agency.
"We will conduct a proper survey of all NIPOST properties, mark them appropriately, secure them, and hand them back to the agency," the governor stated, while also ordering immediate action to address the encroachment in Item.
Recognition of Governance and Meeting Attendees
Amadi commended Governor Otti's development efforts, noting that his governance style and reforms are gaining recognition beyond Abia State. The meeting was attended by several key officials, including the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu; Senior Special Assistant on Transport, Dr. Obioma Nwaogbe; Chief Information Officer, Mr. Gerald Ilukwe; and Senior Special Assistant on New Media, Comrade Samuel Igwe, among others.
