By LEONARD OKACHIE

Abia Government has confirmed that full compensation was paid to all landowners and farmers within the Abia Airport runway area, paving the way for construction to proceed.

The confirmation is contained in a statement by the Commissioner for Lands, Mr Chaka Chukwumerije, on Tuesday in Umuahia.

He said the payment would enable the work to move forward, while outstanding cases would be addressed individually.

He identified the affected communities as Umuala, Umuomainta, Umuezeukwu, Umuode, Umuosu and Ubaha in Nsulu, Isiala Ngwa North LGA.

Chukwumerije said that the communities were reassured of the payment of their compensation in full at a general town hall meeting held on Feb. 18.

He said that specific concerns raised during a reconciliation meeting with community representatives led by former Speaker of Abia House of Assembly, Uzo Azubuike, were reviewed thoroughly.

He said that payment to the remaining claimants outside the runway area began on Monday, Feb. 23.

The commissioner noted that disputed claims were being investigated before any payment would be made.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some landowners had raised concerns over alleged fictitious names on the compensation list and lack of transparency in the payment process.

They threatened to reclaim their farmlands due to the government’s alleged insincerity in addressing their concerns.

“The state government, on behalf of the Federal Government, acquired 1,025 hectares of land in Nsulu, for the over-riding public purpose of developing the airport.

“The area was acquired in accordance with the Land Use Act, 1978.

“The government published and shared the compensation list and claims survey with communities in Dec. 2025, for vetting, in order to promote accountability,” Chukwumerije said.

The commissioner reiterated government’s commitment to a transparent and fair compensation process, with zero tolerance for corruption.

“Payments were paused until this review process is completed.

“Based on the payment schedule released, claimants are advised to come to the Ministry of Lands for due documentation and full payment of their compensation,” he said. (NAN)

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