Admin I Monday, December 16, 2024
ISIALA NGWA NORTH, Abia – A brewing crisis threatens to derail the much-anticipated construction of the Abia State Airport, which is set to begin on December 17.
The Nsulu communities, located in the Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, have strongly opposed the government’s choice of site, claiming it will result in the displacement and potential extinction of several agrarian communities, as well as the seizure of their ancestral lands.
While the Abia State Government, through Chief Press Secretary Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, announced the December 17th groundbreaking ceremony, which will be officiated by Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, the communities are voicing strong opposition.
Their concerns, expressed through community leaders such as Engineer Ikechukwu Uche of Umuezeukwu, revolve around a perceived lack of consultation and the devastating impact on their livelihoods.
“We are not opposed to the airport,” Uche said, “but the government’s insistence on this location is unacceptable.” This land provides for our livelihood. To build here means seizing our ancestral farmlands, displacing us, and effectively driving us extinct.”
“All agrarian communities, including Umuezeukwu, Umuala, Umuezenta, and Umuosu, will be wiped out.”
The communities are outraged by what they describe as the government’s unilateral decision-making. They claim that, despite the large land area required for the project, there has been no meaningful engagement with the affected communities.
“They came, mapped, surveyed, damaged our crops, and left without a single serious conversation or negotiation,” Uche explained.
“The sheer scale of land appropriation raises concerns about the true nature of this project – is it truly an airport, or merely a land-grabbing exercise?”
The communities’ concerns are exacerbated by the government’s announcement of the project’s start date before key details such as the airport model, required land area, and environmental impact assessment report are made public.
The lack of transparency, combined with what they perceive to be intimidation tactics, has fueled their protests. “No compensation will ever be enough to alleviate the collateral damage,” Uche stated.
The communities are now urging Minister Keyamo to intervene and stop construction on the proposed site.
They are urging him not to support what they believe is an illegal and coercive land acquisition.
Their request is for the government to reconsider the location, citing the previously mapped-out site proposed by the previous administration, which has been consistently ignored by the current government.
Meanwhile, the Abia State Government claims to have conducted extensive community engagement. Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Chief of Staff, claimed that concerns were addressed and widespread support was secured.
He assured landowners of adequate compensation and the preservation of their livelihoods. The government cites a partnership with the Federal Government, signed in July 2024, as well as significant private sector participation from Access Bank, as proof of the project’s viability and economic benefits to the state.
A federal government delegation, including representatives from FAAN, NIMET, NCAA, and NAMA, even paid a visit to the proposed site.
However, the stark contrast between the government’s assurances and the communities’ desperate plea reveals a significant gap.
The impending December 17th groundbreaking ceremony has been overshadowed by this escalating conflict, casting doubt on the project’s smooth start and raising serious concerns about the government’s approach to community engagement and land acquisition.
The coming days will be critical in determining whether a compromise can be reached or if the Abia Airport project will become yet another battleground in the fight for land and livelihoods.
