Abia Govt, Community Reach Agreement On Proposed Airport

The Abia State Government and representatives of the Nsulu Landowners Forum, have reached an agreement on the proposed Abia Airport project following a crucial meeting at the banquet hall, Government House, in Umuahia.

The meeting, held on Thursday, brought together government officials, community leaders, village and compound heads, as well as members of the technical team representing the Nsulu landowners with discussions centered on addressing concerns about land acquisition, displacement, and the overall impact of the airport project on the host communities.

In their remarks, the Nsulu people expressed appreciation to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Tinubu, for approving an airstrip for Abia State. They also commended Governor Alex Otti for upgrading the airstrip to a full airport and for choosing Nsulu as the site for the project. Pledging their full support, they described the development as a significant step toward boosting the state’s economic growth.

Speaking on behalf of the landowners, Hon. Uzo Azubuike acknowledged the importance of the airport project but raised concerns over its impact on local communities.

“While we welcome this project and the opportunities it brings, we must also consider the lives and livelihoods of those who will be affected. We are appealing to the government to further reduce the size of the land acquired to minimize displacement,” he said.

Responding to these concerns, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pst. Caleb Ajagba, reassured the landowners that the government was committed to transparency and fairness.

“The government understands the sacrifices being made by the host communities, and we are determined to ensure full and adequate compensation. We will also involve landowners in the development process to guarantee that their interests are protected,” he stated.

To formalize the agreements reached, it was resolved that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) would be drafted, outlining the benefits the host communities would receive upon completion of the airport project. Additionally, a Joint Enlarged Government-Nsulu Airport Landowners Technical Committee was inaugurated to oversee the smooth execution of the project.

The committee will be co-chaired by Pst. Caleb Ajagba, representing the government, and Hon. Uzo Azubuike, representing the Nsulu airport landowners. Other members include Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, Hon. Collins Iheonunekwu, Amb. Innocent Uruakpa, Hon. Chaka Chukwumerije, Hon. Chimezie Ukaegbu, Hon. Matthew Ekwuruibe, Pastor Okorogu Aji, and Mr. Uduma Imong , alongside all members of the technical committee of landowners forum, traditional rulers, village heads, ward councillors, and representatives from landowning families.

One of the key resolutions reached was the agreement to allow landowners to continue farming on the acquired lands until construction work officially begins. The Whistler reports that the meeting ended with both parties reaffirming their commitment to working together to ensure that the project is successfully executed while protecting the interests of the host communities.

The agreement was formally signed by the chief of staff to Governor, Pst. Caleb Ajagba, on behalf of the state government, and Hon. Uzo Azubuike, on behalf of the Nsulu Airport Landowners Forum.

Abia Govt, Community Reach Agreement On Proposed Airport is first published on The Whistler Newspaper