Stakeholders have called on the Delta State Government to urgently curb unregulated land acquisition, warning that fraudulent practices and unchecked sales are displacing families, eroding cultural heritage, and fueling communal unrest.
The call was made in Asaba during the 12th anniversary of Ndokwa Reporters, which also unveiled the maiden edition of its policy forum, the BEL Dialogue, themed: “Development or Displacement: Understanding the Cost of Unregulated Land Acquisition in Our Communities – The Role of Government and Traditional Institutions in Safeguarding Community Lands.”
Participants demanded a comprehensive review of the 1978 Land Use Act, describing it as “riddled with loopholes and misuse.” Chairman of the dialogue, Rt. Hon. Ossai Nicholas Ossai, warned that reckless acquisitions “displace families, erode cultural heritage, and destabilize communities.” He cited the recent protest by the Umuseti Community of Utagba Uno in Ndokwa West over unauthorized land sales as proof of the crisis.
“While development brings opportunities, it must not come at the cost of our people’s survival,” Ossai stressed, urging government, traditional institutions, and civil society to build sustainable processes that balance growth with community rights.
Key discussants—including environmentalists, lawyers, town planners, and property experts—unanimously called for decisive state action to restore order and transparency in land administration.
In his address, Emmanuel O. Enebeli, President and CEO of BEL Media Consult, described the forum as “historic,” reaffirming Ndokwa Reporters’ mission to amplify grassroots voices. “Our stories must be told by us, not for us,” he said, announcing that the BEL Dialogue will now hold annually every May to strengthen collaboration between communities, government, and civil society.
