Firm seeks NPA’s intervention on land encroachment in Lagos

A firm, Alpha Sigma Nigeria Limited, has asked the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to intervene in an alleged attempt by LIPAM Investment Services Limited to claim its land. 

In a letter signed by Manasseh Akoroda on behalf of the firm and addressed to NPA, Alpha Sigma alleged that LIPAM Investment Services Limited has made attempts to claim a portion of the land located at Imoore town, Amuwo Odofin LGA, Lagos. 

According to the letter, Alpha Sigma said it is the rightful tenant of the portion of land which is owned by the NPA.

The firm said Deep Blue Industrial Park, situated within the same land and owned by LIPAM Investment Services Limited was granted a licence by the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) for its operations. 

“We have also discovered that Deep Blue Industrial Park and/or LIPAM Investment Services Limited has submitted an environmental impact assessment (EIA) to the ministry of environment for approval,” the letter reads.

“This submission has caused significant issues for Alpha Sigma Nigeria Limited’s own application for EIA approval with the Ministry of Environment, creating a concerning situation for our operations.

“Considering these developments, we urgently request the Nigerian Port Authority to take immediate action by requesting NEPZA to revoke the license granted to Deep Blue Industrial Park.

“We kindly ask that the NPA also write a formal letter to the ministry of environment, clearly stating and referencing that the land in question at Imoore town belongs to the NPA, as evidenced by the gazette dated 5th August 1992. Furthermore, we request the NPA to explicitly instruct NEPZA and the ministry of eenvironment not to grant any licenses or permits to Deep Blue Industrial Park and/or LIPAM Investment Services Limited in relation to this land. If license(s) or permits have already been issued, we strongly urge the NPA to request their immediate revocation.

“It is essential that the Nigerian Port Authority emphasizes that Alpha Sigma Nigeria Limited is the rightful tenant occupying approximately 22 hectares of land within the area. We have diligently adhered to all relevant regulations and have obtained the necessary approvals for our activities.

“Therefore, we kindly request the NPA to affirm our tenancy and support our application for EIA approval. This will enable us to continue our development operations smoothly and contribute to the growth and development of the area.”

Akoroda added that the firm has submitted a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to enable the agency to also intervene.