The consulting firm handling the Abia State Airport project, Craneburg Construction Company, has assured that skilled and unskilled workers from the host community in Nsulu, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, will be actively engaged in the execution of the project.
Craneburg’s project manager, Seba El-Nemer, made this commitment on Monday in Umuahia, following the commencement of clearing the access road leading to the proposed airport runway.
“We will be engaging both skilled and unskilled manpower within the host communities. We are committed to delivering this project as planned,” El-Nemer stated.
He commended Governor Alex Otti and the people of Nsulu for their cooperation in facilitating the initial stages of the project, particularly the construction of access roads and perimeter fencing.
Government Assures Transparency and Commitment
During an inspection visit to the site on Friday, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, reiterated that the airport project is being carried out with full sincerity, in collaboration with the Federal Government.
Ajagba dismissed claims that the Nsulu people were opposed to the project, emphasizing that the community has shown strong support.
“This is a very sincere government, and everything Dr. Alex Otti has promised, he has always fulfilled. The people appreciate the importance of this airport project, and it is clear that the host community is fully in support,” he said.
He also urged Craneburg Construction Company to work closely with the locals and assured them that compensation to landowners had already begun.
“Many host communities have already received their payments, and you can see the joy among them. This administration values transparency, and that is why the people trust the process,” Ajagba added.
Project Advances with Land Size Adjustments
Providing further updates, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Lands and Housing, who also serves as the Project Coordinator for the Abia Airport Project, confirmed that the project had entered a new phase.
“We have completed enumeration and other preliminary processes. Today, we are creating the access road to the runway to facilitate the necessary soil tests and feasibility studies. The road spans approximately 853 kilometers from the main road, and we expect to complete the clearing within the next five to seven days,” he explained.
Meanwhile, the leader of the Government Land Owners Forum for Abia State Airport Nsulu, Rt. Hon. Uzor Azubuike, praised Governor Otti for reducing the project’s land area from 1,800 hectares to 1,000 hectares following consultations with landowners.
Also speaking, a landowner, Barr. Andrew Obinna Ijenri, commended the administration’s transparent approach in engaging with the people.
Community Excited About Project Progress
Several community representatives, including the Youth President of Nsulu, Prince Chisom Nwaogbe; the Youth President of Umuala, Ifeanyi Nwachukwu; Mrs. Bridget Ijenri; Mrs. Gift Umeh; and the Chairman of Community Relations for the Nsulu Airport Project, Rev. Israel Ukoma, expressed excitement about the airport project becoming a reality.
The airport, once completed, is expected to boost economic activities, enhance connectivity, and create job opportunities for residents of Abia State and beyond.
