The Abia State Government has officially launched survey activities for the proposed Abia International Airport in Nsulu, with plans to compensate land donors in accordance with the Land Use Act.
The Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije, made the announcement during a conversation with journalists.
He clarified that a proper enumeration of the lands will be carried out, and compensation will be provided to those whose lands are being acquired for the project.
This follows protests from some members of the donor communities over the weekend.
Chukwumerije shared that the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Caleb Ajagba, and the Special Assistant on Lands and Housing, Okorougo Aji, engaged in extensive negotiations with representatives from the seven land donor communities in Nsulu.
The Commissioner noted that a thorough understanding had been reached, which included joint survey activities between the Office of the Surveyor General of Abia State and the Nsulu donor communities, represented by their youth leaders.
However, when the survey activities commenced on Saturday, November 30, 2024, some members of the Umunna Nsulu protested, claiming they were not adequately included in the process.
In response, the Chief of Staff to the Governor quickly addressed their concerns, assuring them that anyone who felt excluded would be properly engaged.
“At the commencement of the survey on Saturday, November 30, 2024, some members of the Umunna Nsulu protested not being carried along.
“The Chief of Staff to the Governor was quick to address them and reassured them that anybody that felt he or she had not been carried along will be appropriately engaged,” he said.
