Mbah Explains Why Enugu Government Halted FG’s Methanol Plant Construction

Hon. Okechukwu Mbah, the lawmaker representing Nkanu East in the Enugu State House of Assembly, has explained the reasons behind the Enugu State government’s decision to stop the construction of the Biomass-Based Methanol Plant by the Energy Commission of Nigeria. Mbah revealed that the project, initiated by the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, was seen as an attempt to seize land in the Amanguze community in Nkanu East. According to Mbah, the minister initially purchased land near the proposed site for personal business before bringing in the federal project, which aimed to take over the disputed land between the Amanguze community in Nkanu East and the Akpugo community in Nkanu West. Mbah further criticized the minister for failing to consult with the Enugu State government or local councils of Nkanu East and Nkanu West before proceeding with the project. The situation escalated when the minister incorrectly named the site as being in the Akpugo community, which angered the people of Amanguze. The lawmaker emphasized that while the community welcomed federal projects, proper procedures, including environmental assessments and consultation, should be followed. He urged President Bola Tinubu to investigate the minister’s actions and to ensure that due diligence is carried out in the future. Mbah also called on the Enugu State Boundary Committee to address the land dispute between the two communities to avoid further conflict.