Otti Orders Survey of NIPOST Lands, Moves to Curb Encroachment in Abia

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has directed a comprehensive survey of all lands belonging to the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) across the state to prevent encroachment and safeguard government assets.

The directive followed a visit by the Abia State Postal Manager, Mrs. Winifred Amadi, who raised concerns over increasing cases of land encroachment affecting NIPOST facilities.

Governor Otti said the state would properly identify, mark, and secure all NIPOST properties before handing them back to the agency. He also ordered immediate intervention over a reported encroachment on a post office land in Item, Bende Local Government Area, describing the act as illegal.

“We will not allow such encroachment to stand. Relevant ministries must act swiftly to resolve the issue in Item and across other local governments,” the governor said.

He called for coordination between the Ministries of Lands and Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to ensure all affected properties are protected.

Otti also expressed readiness to collaborate with NIPOST, noting that both federal and state institutions share a common responsibility to deliver efficient services to the public. He urged the agency to improve its operations and explore ways to run profitably.

The governor further directed NIPOST to provide a comprehensive list of its office locations across the state, acknowledging that the agency operates in all local government areas, with multiple facilities in some.

Earlier, Mrs. Amadi appealed to the state government to address encroachment issues, citing a recent incident in Item where staff were reportedly driven out by individuals occupying NIPOST land.

She said her visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration with the state government and proposed areas of partnership, including the adoption of NIPOST’s Express Mail Service as the official courier for government correspondence and the introduction of commemorative stamps to promote Abia’s cultural heritage.

Amadi commended the governor’s development efforts, noting that his leadership has attracted widespread recognition beyond the state.

Top government officials were present at the meeting.