Abia State Governor Alex Otti, has been urged to expedite compensation payments to 10 communities whose lands were acquired for the construction of an international airport at Nsulu in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area.
A petition by Simon Nwangwa, a legal practitioner, revealed that approximately 1,350 hectares of land were acquired from the communities, which include Ubaha Nsulu, Umuosu Nsulu, Nbawsi, Ikputu Nsulu, and others.
Nwangwa emphasised the need for transparent discussions between the government and affected landowners to ensure fair compensation, particularly for Ubaha Nsulu, which has borne significant hardships during the project.
The state government, through Chief Press Secretary Ukoha Njoku, assured the public of its commitment to compensating all affected parties. Njoku stated, “Compensation is a policy of this government, and arrangements are in place to ensure payments are made without delay.”
The project, flagged off in December 2024, is part of the government’s broader infrastructural development agenda, aiming to boost economic activities and improve transportation in the state.