Compensation payments continue for the Nsulu Airport project as Governor Otti gives fresh update. Read the full story to see what this means for Abia’s future. Click to read more.
Hope is rising across Abia State as the long-awaited Nsulu Airport project gathers momentum, with Governor Alex Otti confirming that compensation has already been paid to more than 4,000 landowners affected by the project.
The Governor made the disclosure on Friday at Government House, Umuahia, during the February edition of the monthly media interaction programme, “Governor Alex Otti Speaks to Abians,” where he gave a detailed update on the progress of the airport project located in Nsulu, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area.
According to the Governor, the compensation exercise is being carried out in phases, starting with landowners whose properties fall within the proposed runway corridor, as construction work on the runway has already commenced.
Governor Otti explained that the government decided to proceed step-by-step to ensure orderliness, accuracy, and fairness in the payment process, noting that the airport project is one of the most strategic infrastructure developments currently underway in Abia State.
He revealed that the number of claimants is close to 10,000, but over 4,000 persons have already received payment, while verification and payment for the remaining beneficiaries are ongoing community by community.
The Governor also dismissed negative reports circulating in some quarters about the compensation exercise, describing them as deliberate attempts to mislead the public.
According to him, some of the criticisms came from individuals who were not present at any of the official meetings held with host communities and stakeholders.
Governor Otti emphasized that his administration has adopted a transparent approach by publishing the names of verified claimants in the affected communities, allowing residents to confirm the authenticity of the list before payments are made.
He stressed that the government has nothing to hide and is committed to ensuring that every genuine landowner or farmer affected by the airport project receives full compensation.
While acknowledging that irregularities can sometimes occur in large projects, the Governor warned that the government is fully prepared to investigate and deal with any case of fraud or sharp practice discovered during the process.
He assured that the compensation exercise resumed on February 23 after a town hall meeting held on February 18 with community representatives, during which the payment schedule and verification process were reviewed.
Governor Otti reiterated that the Nsulu Airport project remains a critical component of his administration’s development agenda, explaining that the facility will open Abia State to greater economic opportunities, attract investors, create jobs, and boost commercial activities across the region.
Residents who spoke after the media chat expressed optimism that the ongoing compensation payments and visible construction work have renewed confidence that the airport project will finally become reality after years of delays.
Observers say the steady progress of the project, combined with the government’s insistence on transparency, has helped to calm earlier tensions in some host communities.
With compensation payments continuing and construction advancing, many believe the Nsulu Airport project could become one of the defining achievements of the current administration.
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