Rivers State Government Cancels Land Titles Across Ikwerre LGA

The Rivers State Government has published a notice in the November edition of it’s official news house revoking Certificates of Occupancy for multiple plots totaling over 500 hectares in Igwuruta, Elelenwo, and other communities in Ikwerre LGA.

Issued under Governor Siminalayi Fubara and citing “overriding public interest” under Section 28 of the Land Use Act 1978, the notice requires affected landowners to submit claims and supporting documents to the Ministry of Lands and Survey by November 28, 2025. Failure to do so will result in the land being treated as unclaimed and acquired by the state.

Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Mr. Tamunosaki Sordum, stated that valuation teams are assessing properties and compensation will be paid at market rates plus 10% for disturbance.

Residents and lawyers have criticized the tight two-week deadline as unrealistic, especially for families holding generational titles. Property consultant Emeka Nwosu reported a surge in inquiries, with many buyers discovering previously unknown encumbrances flagged by the state’s 2023 GIS land registry.

The affected area, close to Port Harcourt International Airport, is targeted for infrastructure, road networks, and housing under Governor Fubara’s 2025 development agenda.

Legal experts warn that unclaimed plots could be deemed “unoccupied,” potentially breaching fair-hearing rights, and point to past controversies including mass revocations during the Greater Port Harcourt City project.

Community leaders in Elelenwo and Igwurita are organizing meetings, urging calm negotiation while demanding prompt and fair compensation.

It bears mentioning that as the November 28 deadline approaches, long queues have formed at the Tide newspaper office in Diobu as anxious landowners scramble to obtain copies of the notice and prepare their claims.