Nsulu Airport Landowners Dispute Governor Otti’s Compensation Claim

Nsulu, Abia State – A slew of controversy has erupted following Abia State Governor Alex Otti’s claims that landowners affected by the Nsulu airport project have been completely compensated.

Landowners in Nsulu vehemently refuted the Governor’s assertion, describing it as “false and misleading” and demanding transparency in the land acquisition process.

The dispute stems from a statement made by Governor Otti at a civic reception in Okpuala Ngwa, in which he praised his administration’s performance, including the alleged full compensation of Nsulu airport landowners.

The Nsulu Landowners vehemently denied the Governor’s claims in a strongly worded press statement signed by Azu Ogbuokiri and issued on Monday.

“Nobody has been compensated, and when the government did, it was nothing to write home about,” the statement claimed.

The landowners urged the public and the people of Abia to disregard the Governor’s statement, especially since land acquisition remains a contentious legal issue pending in court.

The controversy has sparked conflicting reactions in the communities. Dr. Vincent OJ. Ubani, a landowner from Umuezeukwu, refuted the Governor’s claim.

“I do not believe the Governor will ever make such a mistake as to pay and compensate all landowners, including myself, in Umuezeukwu. No one born to a woman will ever treat me or the Umuezeukwu people with levity,” he declared.

Further complicating the situation, Andrew Obinna Ijeri, a community representative from Umuala Nsulu and Secretary of the government-appointed MoU Draughting Sub-Committee of the Abia State International Airport Land Owners/Government-appointed Steering Committee, revealed that the government appeared to backtrack on the Governor’s announcement on Sunday night.

According to Ijeri, a joint Steering government-appointed Committee meeting resulted in the following resolutions: payments to landowners from Umuala Nsulu (Umuobasi and Amaugba Umuala Nsulu) and Umunkolo Umuomainta Nsulu are scheduled to begin on Wednesday, June 4th, 2025, with the signing of Indemnity Forms/Certificates, followed by direct bank transfers.

Payments to landowners in Okpuala, Umulenwa, and Umuezenta, all in Umuomainta Nsulu and located on the airport runway, will be made shortly thereafter.

The Ministry of Lands and Housing is expected to release a community-organised payment schedule within the next week.

Ijeri also expressed concern about the scale of the land acquisition. “I am not saying anything because I am involved, but this should concern every Nsulu son and daughter.

“This is an injustice done to the Nsulu people,” he said, questioning the need for 1025 hectares of land for the airport project.

“Where in Nigeria or around the world has such vast land been taken in the name of an airport?” Allowing such behaviour, in my opinion, is an injustice and a slap in the face of the Nsulu people.

“Does this imply that we do not have people, or should our parents and children look elsewhere for land for farming and other economic development?”

The conflicting statements and ongoing disputes highlight the critical need for clarity, transparency, and a fair compensation solution for the Nsulu airport landowners.

The situation highlights the importance of effective communication and community engagement in major infrastructure projects to protect the rights and well-being of affected communities, instead of the government choosing by itself party stalwarts to discuss with as landowners.

The next few weeks will be critical because the promised payments are expected to be made, and the community will watch closely to see if the government lives up to its revised commitments.