Abia Airport Project: We Welcome FGN’s Airstrip Project, But Reject Gov Alex Otti’s Land Grabbing Quest — Nsulu Landowners
The Village Heads of Host Communities in Nsulu, Isiala-Ngwa North Local Government Area (LGA) of Abia State, have dismissed claims that they oppose the Federal Government of Nigeria’s (FGN) proposed airstrip project in their community. Rising from a meeting on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, the landowners clarified that their contention lies with the Abia State Government’s alleged “fraudulent and forceful acquisition” of Nsulu farmlands and homesteads for the project.
Engr. Ikechukwu Uche, Chairman of the Village Heads of Host Communities, stated in a press briefing that the Abia State Government, led by Governor Alex Otti, has failed to provide transparency and justification for abandoning the original airport site already approved under the administration of former Governor Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu.
According to Engr. Uche, the previously designated site for the airport project was properly acquired, with a Certificate of Occupancy issued to the project executors, and had undergone the necessary Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). He questioned why the original site—unencumbered by residential buildings—was abandoned for a new location that would displace residents and disrupt their livelihoods.
“The new site, chosen by the Otti administration, is surrounded by home settlements,” Uche noted. “The government has not explained why this new site is necessary, nor have they addressed our concerns about its impact on our community.”
The landowners further alleged that the proposed “Abia Airport” appears to be a private venture, citing the inclusion of plans for a five-star hotel, housing estate, school, and air force base within the project. Uche emphasized that the state government has not clarified who will execute these components or entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the host communities.
During recent engagements with the Abia State Government’s negotiation team, led by the Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, some resolutions were reached, including:
1. Reduction of Land Area: The government agreed to reduce the initial 1,800 hectares earmarked for acquisition.
2. Compensation and Collaboration: Assurances were made about prompt compensation and collaboration with landowner communities to address displacement concerns.
3. Identification of Landowners: A joint team was proposed to conduct surveys and identify the actual landowners affected.
Despite these assurances, the landowners accused the negotiation team of bad faith, alleging that the government initiated new discussions with individuals who lack stakes in the land instead of following through on earlier resolutions.
The Nsulu landowners reaffirmed their support for the Federal Government’s original proposal for an airstrip in their community. However, they categorically rejected what they described as the Abia State Government’s attempt to forcibly evict them from their ancestral homes.
“Our opposition is not against development,” Uche clarified. “We welcome the Federal Government’s airstrip project but reject the fraudulent methods being employed by Governor Alex Otti’s administration.”
The landowners called for the disbandment of the Ajagba-led negotiation team, accusing its members of misrepresenting the government’s intentions. They urged the Abia State Government to foster trust and transparency to avoid future conflicts and maintain peace within the community.
The meeting was attended by key stakeholders, including Gabriel Echozolam, Village Head of Umuezenta Nbawsi; Chimaobi Ohaka, Village Head of Umuosu Nsulu; Isaac Frank, Village Head of Umulenwa Nbawsi Nsulu; and other notable community leaders like Ehilegbu Chidiadi, Charles Ozems, and Jaja Chinedu.
