NEWS
ABIA MOVES TO PROTECT NIPOST ASSET AS GOV. OTTI ORDERS STATEWIDE LAND SURVEY, CRACKS DOWN ON ENCROACHMENT IN BENDE
In a decisive move to safeguard federal assets and strengthen institutional collaboration, the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has directed that all lands belonging to the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) across the state be comprehensively surveyed, secured, and officially handed back to the agency to prevent further encroachments.
The directive was issued on Wednesday at the Governor’s office during a meeting with the Abia State Postal Manager of NIPOST, Mrs. Winifred Amadi, who paid a courtesy visit to the Governor to seek intervention and collaboration.
Governor Otti, while responding to concerns raised by the Postal Manager, emphasized the need for urgent and coordinated action to protect NIPOST properties, particularly in areas where illegal occupation has been reported. He specifically ordered the immediate involvement of the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to address the reported encroachment on postal land at Item in Bende Local Government Area.
Describing the situation as unacceptable, the Governor maintained that such actions violate the law and would not be tolerated under his administration.
“That is illegal and we will not allow it. So, Honourable commissioner (Transport), please inform the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and then Commissioner for Lands. So that we can do proper survey of all the NIPOST properties, mark them properly, secure them and hand them over to them.
“I also have noted your experiences at Item. Please, can you (Transport Commissioner) communicate to him (Local Government Commissioner)?
“First of all, the Item encroachment, I need it to be solved immediately together with the other Local Governments,“ Governor Otti stated.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to intergovernmental synergy, Governor Otti welcomed NIPOST’s willingness to collaborate with the state government, stressing that public institutions can deliver efficiently and profitably with the right leadership and vision.
“So, I’m happy that you want to collaborate with the government and the government would also like to collaborate with you. Because, anyhow, if you look at it, it’s still us. Whether it’s Federal or State, it’s the same government.
“So, if the private sector can do it and do it profitably and efficiently, the public sector can even do it better once there is vision and we have people who are willing to deliver on it,“ the Governor said.
The Governor, who expressed satisfaction that NIPOST offices are present in all Local Government Areas of the state, instructed the Postal Manager to provide a comprehensive inventory of all their operational locations. He noted that some LGAs host multiple postal facilities and encouraged the agency to optimize its presence by ensuring operational efficiency and profitability.
Governor Otti further commended Mrs. Amadi for her forward-thinking vision for postal services in the state and assured her of the government’s support in creating an enabling environment for NIPOST to thrive and effectively serve the people.
Earlier in her remarks, Mrs. Winifred Amadi appealed to the Governor to intervene in the growing cases of encroachment on NIPOST lands across the state. She cited a recent incident in Item, Bende LGA, where individuals allegedly chased away postal staff while attempting to take over the agency’s property.
She explained that her visit was part of efforts to formally introduce herself following her recent posting to Abia State and to establish a working relationship with the state government.
Highlighting areas of potential collaboration, Mrs. Amadi disclosed that NIPOST is open to partnering with the Abia State Government in key operational areas. These include the designation of NIPOST Express Mail Service (EMS) as the official logistics courier for government correspondence, parcels, and merchandise, as well as the introduction of a commemorative postal stamp to showcase Abia’s rich cultural heritage on a global platform.
She also commended Governor Otti for his developmental strides and commitment to good governance, noting that his impact and popularity extend beyond the borders of Abia State.
The meeting was attended by the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu; the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, Chief Obioma Reuben Nwaogbe, PhD; and ot
her top government officials.