Abia people protest over proposed Airport project

Tensions flared in eight Nsulu communities of Isiala Ngwa North council area, Abia State, as natives protested the surveying of communal land for a proposed state airport project.

Landowners from the donor communities resisted a government team led by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, preventing the commencement of a perimeter survey. The protesters accused the government of bypassing key stakeholders in the planning process.

The Village Head of Umuezenta, Mr. Ukaumunna Echezolam, expressed concerns about the project threatening ancestral lands and farming, the community’s primary livelihood. He highlighted previous sacrifices, including land donations for the Nsulu Games Village and Ntigha Inland Dry Port, which remain undeveloped.

“We need time for discussions,” Echezolam said. “We’ve given too much already. Promises were made for past projects, but nothing came of them. Now they want more of our land.”

Other protesters criticized the lack of communication with local leaders and the heavy presence of security forces during the survey attempt, suggesting plans to seize the land against the community’s will.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije, stated that extensive negotiations had occurred with community representatives before initiating survey activities. He assured proper enumeration and compensation would follow in accordance with the Land Use Act.

Despite assurances, some community members called for smaller, localized development projects instead of the airport, emphasizing a focus on initiatives that directly benefit the area.