The Abia State Government has confirmed that compensation has been paid to landowners whose properties fall within the runway area of the Abia Airport project in Nsulu, Isialangwa North Local Government Area.
According to the government, any cases of unpaid compensation are exceptions that will be resolved on a case-by-case basis.
The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, made this known on Friday during a fact-finding visit to the project site, accompanied by the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije, and other top officials.
Pastor Ajagba explained that the visit followed reports from some residents of Nsulu claiming they had not received compensation.
“We discovered that it’s not that they haven’t been paid, but some have challenges with their bank accounts or have not completed the mandatory indemnity certificate required for payment,” he said.
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He also addressed complaints about land clearing beyond designated areas, attributing it to a tractor operator’s error which has since been corrected “to the satisfaction of the host community.”
Ajagba disclosed that over 3,500 people have already been paid and assured that payments will continue as more landowners complete their documentation. He commended the cooperation of the Nsulu community and pledged that government will honor all agreements.
On his part, Commissioner Chukwumerije reiterated that compensation has been settled for every landowner along the runway.
“This is a responsive government with a human face. Everyone within the runway has been paid. If there are any exceptions, we handle them individually,” he said.
He clarified further that while compensation outside the runway area has not yet been completed, the final report covering such cases will be concluded and paid by the end of September 2025.
Chukwumerije urged any landowner who has completed their indemnity certificate but is yet to receive payment to submit their details for prompt resolution.
Responding on behalf of the community, Mr. Echezola Ukaumunna praised the government’s visit, noting that it dispelled several misconceptions. He also blamed past misunderstandings on poor communication from the traditional leadership but expressed renewed confidence in the government’s sincerity.
Other landowners, including Onyenmaobi Nwairo, Isaac Frank, Chief Isaac Ndubuisi, and John Aliche, echoed their satisfaction with the explanations given, assuring that they would no longer oppose the project’s progress.
The government delegation also included the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Mr. Matthew Ekwuribe, and the Special Assistant to the Governor on Lands and Housing and Project Coordinator for Abia Airport, Pastor Okorougo Aji, among others.
