Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
The Edo State Government has refuted a public notice published on page 33 of the Vanguard newspapers, claiming that it has revoked the Statutory Rights of Occupancy hold by Presco Plc pursuant to Sections 28 and 38 of the Land Use Act.
In a formal clarification on Wednesday, the government said the publication did not originate from Governor Monday Okpebholo or any authorised arm of the state.
According to the statement, preliminary checks showed that the immediate past Managing Director of the Edo State Geographic Information Service (EDOGIS), Tony Ikpasaja, acted unilaterally and outside established administrative procedures.
The statement pointed out that no revocation of Presco Plc’s Statutory Right of Occupancy has been issued. Instead, what was under review was a technical excision of about 20 hectares, limited strictly to areas hosting strategic crude oil wells. Officials noted that such excisions are consistent with federal law, given that mineral resources are vested exclusively in the Federal Government.
Legal Position
Section 44(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) vests ownership and control of all minerals, mineral oils, and natural gas anywhere in Nigeria in the Federal Government.
Section 1 of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021 reinforces this position.
In a related development, Governor Okpebholo has approved the immediate removal of Mr. Tony Ikpasaja as Managing Director of EDOGIS.
The Government has directed the most senior officer in the Agency to step in as Acting MD, pending the appointment of a substantive head.
According to the statement, the leadership change is part of ongoing efforts to restructure and reposition EDOGIS for greater operational efficiency, improved service delivery, and stronger institutional governance.
