FIC Report (Abia State) – The Federal Government-funded Abia Airport project at Nsulu, Isiala Ngwa North LGA, has reached a key milestone as the Abia State Government announced that it has completed compensation payments to landowners whose property lies within the airport’s runway corridor.
During a fact-finding visit to the site on Friday, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, said the State Government working in partnership with the Federal Government has already paid over 3,500 beneficiaries. He explained that any outstanding cases are due to issues such as incomplete indemnity certificates or banking challenges and will be handled individually.
“Everybody will get paid. For now, we are concentrating on the runway. If anyone is yet to receive payment, it is an exceptional case that will be addressed,” Ajagba stated.
Ajagba further clarified that an earlier clearing of non-enumerated areas by a tractor operator was a human error that has since been corrected to the satisfaction of the host community.
Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije, reaffirmed that all landowners within the runway area have been settled.
He urged anyone who has signed an indemnity certificate but has not received payment to submit their details promptly, adding that compensation for land outside the runway will be finalized once the Federal Government’s final report is ready by the end of September 2025.
Community leaders, including Mr. Echezola Ukaumunna, expressed gratitude to both the Federal and State Governments for their engagement, saying the visit dispelled misconceptions and strengthened local support for the project.
The delegation included the Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Mr. Matthew Ekwuribe, and the Governor’s Special Assistant on Lands and Housing/Project Coordinator, Pastor Okorougo Aji, underscoring the joint Federal–State effort driving the landmark airport initiative.
Signed
Abiakam Gloria Ify
HOC, FIC Umuahia Abia State.
13th September 2025.
