The Abia State Government and landowners of the proposed Abia Airport project have resolved key concerns and inaugurated a joint technical committee to oversee the project’s implementation.

This agreement followed a crucial meeting on Thursday at Government House, Umuahia, between the state government, community leaders, village and compound heads, and the technical team of the Nsulu Land Owners Forum.

In a communiqué signed by the Chief of Staff to Governor Alex Otti, Caleb Ajagba, on behalf of the government, and Rt. Hon. Uzor Azubike for the Nsulu landowners, both parties agreed to work together to address any future concerns regarding the project, including the possibility of further reducing the land size.

The landowners raised concerns about the impact of displacement and loss of livelihood, urging the government to consider reducing the land size further. They also requested permission to continue farming on the land until actual development begins.

Both parties agreed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would be drafted to outline the benefits the host communities would receive upon project completion. The Abia State Government assured landowners of transparency and promised adequate compensation while involving them in the project development process.

 

The Nsulu landowners commended President Bola Tinubu for approving an airstrip for Abia State and praised Governor Alex Otti for upgrading it to a full airport and choosing Nsulu as the project site.

The newly formed Joint Technical Committee will oversee the project, with:

 

• Chief of Staff Caleb Ajagba leading the government team.

• Rt. Hon. Uzor Azubike heading the Nsulu landowners’ team.

 

Other committee members include:

 

• Ginger Onwusibe

• Collins Iheonunekwu

• Amb. Innocent Uruakpa

• Chaka Chukwumerije

• Hon. Chimezie Ukaegbu

• Matthew Ekwuruibe

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