…Minister accuses Enugu Govt of stalling the project

…Not true; the minister is out to grab land, not pursue a genuine project– Enugu Govt

By Anayo Okoli

ENUGU – The Energy Commission of Nigeria, a Federal Government agency under the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, has accused the Enugu State Government of frustrating the development of a ₦40 billion Bio-Methanol Pilot Plant in Akpugo, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.

Mr. E. Okeke, an official of the Commission, alleged over the weekend that state authorities halted work on the site, leading to the arrest of seven construction workers. He described the situation as detrimental to the state’s progress.

The Commission claimed that, on Governor Peter Mbah’s orders, police officers invaded the project site, detained the workers, and disrupted construction activities.

The Enugu State Government dismissed the allegations as baseless and laughable. Speaking through Uche Anichukwu, a media aide to Governor Mbah, the government emphasized its collaborative relationship with the Federal Government and reiterated its commitment to attracting investments that benefit the state and its people.

“The minister is not sincere about this so-called project. It appears to be an attempt to grab land rather than a genuine development effort,” Anichukwu said.

The government questioned why such a major project would proceed without notifying state authorities, noting that the state has actively partnered with the Federal Government on numerous initiatives.

While the Commission asserted that the land was donated by the community, state sources countered that the land has long been disputed. The Enugu Boundary Commission previously ruled in favor of Amanunze, not Akpugo.

The arrested workers, named as Ambrose Edeh, Chibuike Edeh, Monday Nwodo, Obinna Samuel, Ebuka Chukwurah, Chibuike Okereke, and Maduabuchi Okoro, were reportedly detained at various police facilities before being released after the intervention of the Inspector General of Police.

The ₦40 billion methanol plant is said to be the first of its kind in West Africa, potentially employing thousands of youths and boosting the regional economy. A similar ₦60 billion Solar PV project, also credited to the Minister, is expected to have a significant impact.

However, Hon. Okechukwu Mbah, representing Nkanu East in the State House of Assembly, echoed the state government’s concerns. He accused Minister Uche Nnaji of using federal projects as a pretext to acquire land.

“This is not the first time the minister has tried to claim this land. Previously, he attempted to establish a rice factory here. Now, under the guise of a federal methanol plant, he is pursuing the same goal,” Mbah alleged.

He also raised concerns over the lack of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and the exclusion of state and local governments in the project’s planning and execution.

Mbah urged the state government to address the land dispute between the Amagunze and Akpugo communities through the State Boundary Committee. He called for transparency from the minister and proper engagement with all relevant authorities to ensure that the project, if genuine, adheres to legal and environmental standards.

“This project cannot move forward without resolving these issues and engaging all stakeholders,” he said.