The Nsulu Stakeholders Forum (NSF) has urged the Federal Government to first conduct a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before proceeding with the proposed Abia Airport in Nsulu, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, Abia State.

In a statement issued yesterday, the forum expressed its support for the project but raised concerns about its location in densely populated communities in Nsulu, fearing it could pose significant risks to the lives of current and future residents.

NSF also endorsed a petition by Nsulu communities, through their legal representative, Mr. Sylvester Okonkwo, to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the National Security Adviser (NSA).

The petition accused the Abia State Government of attempting to seize land from the Nsulu communities for the airport project.

The affected communities include Ikputu, Umuikeocha Umuode, Umuezeukwu, Umuogu, Uwaoma/Ikoo Umuosu, Umuata Umuosu, Umule Umuosu, Okpulorukwu Umuosu, Umuodeche, Ubaha, Umuala, Umuezenta Nbawsi, Mbubo, and Umuomainta Nbawsi, who collectively own the land being targeted for the project.

The forum also reminded the Federal Government of its agricultural policies, emphasizing that denying Nsulu people access to arable land for farming contradicts the government’s efforts to promote food sufficiency.

NSF stressed that the airport should be located in a spacious area, not one that threatens the livelihoods of the local population.

While the stakeholders also appreciated the consideration of Nsulu for a federal project, they reiterated that it should not come at the cost of displacing the people from their homes and farms.

The forum called on Governor Otti to revisit the land secured by former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu in 2015 and 2022, rather than displacing the Nsulu communities for a new site. (Daily Sun)