Nsulu airport landowners, host of the proposed Abia Airport in Nsulu, Isialangwa North Local Government Area of Abia State, have dismissed claims by Governor Alex Otti of the state that landowners affected by the Nsulu airport project have been completely compensated.
Landowners in Nsulu said the governor’s assertions are “blatant lies” and demanded transparency in the land acquisition process.
The Nsulu airport landowners were reacting to statement made by Governor Otti at a civic reception in Okpuala Ngwa, during which he praised his administration’s performance, including the alleged full compensation of Nsulu airport landowners.
The Nsulu Landowners vehemently denied the governor’s claims in a statement by Azu Ogbuokiri.
“Nobody has been compensated, and when the government did, it was nothing to write home about,” the statement stated.
The landowners urged the public and the people of Abia to disregard the governor’s statement, especially since land acquisition remains a subject matter of cases in court, with one of the court ordering the state government to stay action on the airport project pending the hearing and determination of the suit.
The governor compensation payment claim has sparked reactions in the communities.
Dr. Vincent Ubani, a landowner from Umuezeukwu, refuted the governor’s claim.
“I do not believe the governor will ever make such a mistake as to pay and compensate all landowners, including myself, in Umuezeukwu.
“No one born to a woman will ever treat me or the Umuezeukwu people with levity,” he said.
Further complicating the situation, Andrew Obinna Ijeri, a community representative from Umuala Nsulu and Secretary of the government MoU Draughting Sub-Committee of the Abia State International Airport Land Owners/Government Joint Steering Committee, revealed that the government appeared to backtrack on the governor’s announcement on Sunday night.
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According to Ijeri, a joint Steering Committee meeting resulted in the following resolutions: 1. Payments to landowners from Umuala Nsulu (Umuobasi and Amaugba Umuala Nsulu) and Umunkolo Umuomainta Nsulu are scheduled to begin on June 4, 2025, with the signing of Indemnity Forms/Certificates, followed by direct bank transfers.
2.Payments to landowners in Okpuala, Umulenwa, and Umuezenta, all in Umuomainta Nsulu and located on the airport runway, will be made shortly thereafter.
3.The Ministry of Lands and Housing is expected to release a community-organized payment schedule within the next week.
Ijeri also expressed concern about the scale of the land acquisition.
“I am not saying anything because I am involved, but this should concern every Nsulu son and daughter.
“This is an injustice done to the Nsulu people,” he said, questioning the need for 1025 hectares of land for the airport project.
“Where in Nigeria or around the world has such vast land been taken in the name of an airport?
Enugu Airport is on 200 hectares, Ebonyi Airport is on 133 hectares, while the Imo Airport is on about 300 hectared. Allowing such behaviour, in my opinion, is an injustice and a slap in the face of the Nsulu people.
“Does this imply that we do not have people, or should our parents and children look elsewhere for land for farming and other economic development?”
The conflicting statements and ongoing disputes highlight the critical need for clarity, transparency, and a fair compensation solution for the Nsulu airport landowners.
The situation highlights the importance of effective communication and community engagement in major infrastructure projects to protect the rights and well-being of affected communities.
The next few weeks will be critical because the promised payments are expected to be made, and the community will be watching closely to see if the government lives up to its revised commitments.
