Export Processing Zone: Imo State Government Interfaces With Host Communities From Ohaji-Egbema

“You will be granted all that is due you” – Commissioner Onuegbu to Host Communities

“We will guarantee the security of your workers” — Youth President

By: Ambrose Nwaogwugwu, February 13, 2025.

The administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma has continued to position Imo State as an economic powerhouse through massive infrastructural development and strategic investments. From the dualization of major roads to the revitalization of key industries, his government has demonstrated a strong commitment to transforming Imo into a thriving hub for business and investment. With the launch of the multi-billion-dollar Export Processing Zone (EPZ), in partnership with foreign investors, the state is set to become a preferred destination for global investors.

This ambitious project, which will be located in Ohaji-Egbema, Oguta, Ngor-Okpala, and Owerri West, is designed to drive industrialization by creating a world-class economic corridor. The EPZ will not only boost the production and export of high-standard goods but will also generate thousands of jobs and provide every imaginable social amenity, including roads, healthcare, electricity, and water supply. It will stand as a major economic catalyst, making Imo a leading player in Nigeria’s non-oil export sector.

To accommodate the scale of this transformative initiative, the state government is acquiring additional land in the area to house the various projects under the EPZ. This expansion will ensure that the project is properly structured to attract international investors while also benefiting the host communities.

In line with this vision, the Imo State Government, through the Ministry of Lands, Survey, and Physical Planning, on Wednesday engaged with host communities from Egbema at the Old State Executive Council Chambers, government house Owerri, to address their concerns regarding the development of the EPZ. The meeting had in attendance representatives from Mgbara, Ekugba, Oforola, and Obokofia, all from the Oloshi Kingdom of Egbema.

Declaring the meeting open, the Commissioner for Lands, Survey, and Physical Planning, Barr. Enyinna Onuegbu, emphasized that while the Governor is constitutionally empowered as the ultimate landowner in the state, he has chosen to interact directly with the communities as a democrat who values public engagement.

Barr. Onuegbu informed the host communities that Governor Uzodimma has secured a license for the establishment of an Export Processing Zone in their locality, which will facilitate the production and export of high-standard goods. He noted that the only existing EPZ in the country is located in Lekki, Lagos State, where Dangote has sited his refinery. The Imo EPZ, when completed, would be the second of its kind in Nigeria, positioning the state as a key player in export-driven economic growth.

He further revealed that the EPZ project would be sited in four local government areas—Oguta, Ngor-Okpala, Ohaji-Egbema, and Owerri West—due to the availability of essential raw materials in these areas. Additionally, he highlighted the Orashi Integrated Special Economic Free Trade Zone, which will include major projects such as the Orashi River Development, dredging activities, and the construction of port facilities. He disclosed that the state government has already commenced the dredging of the Orashi River to link it with the Atlantic Ocean.

The commissioner assured the communities that the purpose of the meeting was to prevent misinformation and ensure that the people receive accurate information directly from the government. Using the Ehime Mbano Skill Acquisition Centre as an example of how misinformation can mislead the public, he urged the host communities to take ownership of the project. “You are the true owners of the project; we called you so that you can help disseminate the true information to your people. You will be granted all that is due to you in terms of compensation,” he assured. He further urged them to support the government’s developmental initiatives, emphasizing that “the train of development has already left.”

In response, traditional ruler Eze Alia Dr. Hilary Oyia commended the state government for prioritizing the development of Egbema. “Egbema people felt abandoned by previous governments, but this government has remembered us,” he stated.

The Youth President of the community, Comrade Modric Chikwado, expressed excitement about the project, assuring the government that the youths would provide full support and security for the workers. “On behalf of the youths, I am thanking the government for siting the project in our communities. We assure the government that the youths will be ready to give you the maximum support, and security will be guaranteed,” he declared.

Also speaking, a political leader and former Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Goodluck Opia, stated that the EPZ would transform the region by bringing the level of development seen in other industrial cities. He urged the people to embrace the government’s initiative and cooperate for its successful implementation.

Responding on behalf of the Governor, the Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency and dialogue with the host communities. He reiterated that while the Governor has the constitutional authority to acquire land for public use, he has chosen to engage with the people out of respect for their rights and interests. “The Governor has the power to take over the land, but because he is a responsible leader, he chose to engage with you,” Anyaehie stated.

The interactive session marked a significant step in fostering collaboration between the government and host communities, paving the way for the smooth execution of the Export Processing Zone and other economic development projects in Imo State. Those present at the meeting included the management staff of the Ministry of Lands, Survey, and Physical Planning led by the honorable commissioner, Barr. Enyinna Onuegbu; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie; the Governor’s Technical Adviser, Dr. Bola Adigun; Rt. Hon. Goodluck Opiah; the Executive Chairman of Ohaji-Egbema, Hon. Marcel Amadioha; Chief Gideon Meffor; and the Special Adviser on Public Orientation, Sir Collins Chibueze Ughalaa , among others.