Abia State government has pledged to address all complaints from land donors affected by the ongoing Nsulu Airport project, promising transparency and timely payments as work continues.
Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Chief of Staff to Governor Alex Otti, led a delegation to Umuelelenwa Nsulu on a fact-finding visit to inspect grievances raised by some land donors, especially those whose land falls within the runway corridor. Ajagba thanked Governor Otti for his hands-on leadership and said the visit showed the government’s commitment to resolving issues on the ground.
Ajagba told residents that many who believed they had not been paid actually face administrative problems incomplete indemnity certificates or errors in their bank details which are preventing disbursement. He also said a complaint about clearing of non-enumerated areas was traced to human error by a tractor operator and has since been corrected.
“They are not opposed to the project,” Ajagba said, adding that the government has so far paid roughly 3,500 people and will continue payments as affected persons complete the required paperwork. “For now, we are concentrating on the runway. Everybody will get paid.”
The project, he noted, is expected to last at least two years. Ajagba said local artisans carpenters, iron benders and others will be given priority for jobs on the site and contractors have agreed to employ qualified community members.
Commissioner for Land and Housing Chaka Chukwumerije reiterated that anyone whose land falls within the runway will be adequately compensated. He asked affected persons who have not received payment to submit their names and complaints at his office so any bank-detail or documentation errors can be corrected immediately.
“This is a responsive government with a human face. We put people first,” Chukwumerije said, noting that unpaid cases are exceptions being handled on a case-by-case basis.
Representatives of the land donors and the village head of Umuezenta Mbawsi thanked the government for visiting. Land donor Echezolam Ukaumunna urged the state to follow through on promises particularly measures to engage and reward local youth saying addressing youth needs would help calm agitations and ensure cooperation.
Having seen the government team on site, residents indicated they will allow work to continue while awaiting the promised payment acceleration and the issuance of identification badges expected within two weeks. Ukaumunna appealed for fairness and warned against individuals who exploit the situation by trespassing or stealing from farms, urging authorities to deal decisively with such troublemakers.
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