Imo State Land Use Crisis | Olehi Urges Sustainable Policy Reform Amid Growing Concerns

Imo State, Nigeria – A respected legal luminary and public advocate, Barr. Ngozi Chidozie Olehi, has raised serious concerns over what he describes as the unchecked misuse and poor management of land across Imo State. In a recent discussion with journalists from Ngor Okpala, Olehi emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive and sustainable land management policy to safeguard the future of the state and its growing population.

As urbanization, industrialization, and development continue to expand, Olehi warns that the failure to implement structured and forward-thinking land policies will have dire consequences in the years ahead.

Why Land Matters: A Finite Resource Amid Population Boom

“Land,” Olehi noted, “is a finite and non-renewable resource. Unlike other economic variables, land cannot be expanded. Yet, the human population is ever-increasing.” He drew attention to the implications of this imbalance, asking a thought-provoking question: “If all available land is sold or allocated indiscriminately today, where will the children of tomorrow live, work, or farm?”

This message struck a chord with many, especially in light of current land disputes and accusations of land grabbing in various parts of the state. Communities are becoming increasingly vocal about what they perceive as forced land acquisitions without proper consultation or compensation.

The Current State of Land Administration in Imo

In recent years, Imo State has witnessed growing controversy over how land is being acquired, distributed, and managed. Local communities have reported cases where ancestral lands were taken over under unclear circumstances, leaving families and communities displaced. The lack of transparency in many of these transactions has only fueled public distrust.

Several civil society groups and traditional rulers have joined the call for accountability, arguing that many land allocations are done without environmental impact assessments or long-term planning. The resulting confusion not only fuels legal battles but also disrupts community cohesion and economic stability.

Call for Transparent Land Management Policies

Olehi is calling on the Imo State Government to take a proactive stance. He urged the administration to design and implement a transparent land use policy that includes:

• Land use zoning to define residential, agricultural, commercial, and conservation areas

• Digital land registries to eliminate fraudulent documentation and double allocations

• Environmental preservation mandates to prevent ecological degradation

• Public consultation frameworks to involve local communities in decision-making

• Long-term population planning to align land distribution with demographic projections

Such a framework, Olehi argues, will ensure that land remains a shared resource and not a privilege for a select few.

Learning from Global Best Practices

Olehi suggested that Imo State could learn from global examples where land reform has improved social equity and urban planning. He cited cities that have successfully combined modern land management tools with community engagement strategies to promote both development and sustainability.

Implementing Geographic Information Systems (GIS), introducing independent oversight committees, and incorporating traditional land tenure systems into formal planning are a few practical steps the state can adopt.

Generational Implications: Planning for the Future

The central message Olehi delivered is that land policy is not merely a governance issue but a generational one. Poor land management today can lead to housing crises, food insecurity, and environmental collapse in the near future.

By planning ahead, the Imo State Government can avoid these pitfalls and instead create a framework where growth is not only encouraged but also sustainable.

Rising Community Tensions and Protests

Olehi’s remarks come at a time when several communities across Imo State are protesting what they describe as the “forceful seizure” of their lands by government agents. In places like Isiala Mbano, Owerri North, and Ngor Okpala, community members have staged demonstrations, demanding transparency and the return of their ancestral lands.

In response to these tensions, Governor Hope Uzodimma recently appointed himself as the Commissioner for Lands, promising to clean up the ministry and end corrupt practices. This move, while unprecedented, signals a potential shift in how land matters will be handled moving forward.

A Final Word: Building a Legacy of Fairness and Responsibility

As a legal expert and passionate advocate for equity, Olehi continues to use his voice to promote systemic reform. His vision is clear: a state where land is managed wisely, communities are respected, and future generations have access to the resources they need to thrive.

The Imo State Government, according to Olehi, must rise to the occasion, charting a course that prioritizes integrity, inclusiveness, and sustainability.

Conclusion

The growing unrest over land issues in Imo State is a clear signal that urgent intervention is needed. With leaders like Olehi amplifying the conversation, there is a real opportunity to drive reforms that will benefit generations to come. As stakeholders—government, traditional rulers, developers, and the general public—come together to address these challenges, a brighter and more equitable future for Imo State may just be within reach.