Sign in

NSF Urges EIA Before Advancing Abia Airport Project

…Communities At Risk From Airport Proximity

Published

Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at 12:01 PM

Written by Omotola Adeleke

NSF Urges EIA Before Advancing Abia Airport Project

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

In a statement issued yesterday, NSF emphasized the need for an EIA due to the proximity of the proposed airport site to various Nsulu communities, which they fear could be adversely affected by the construction.

The forum voiced support for the project but expressed serious concerns about its potential risks to the densely populated communities in the area.

The forum’s members argued that the airport’s location, near residential areas, poses potential dangers to both current and future residents, including risks to health, safety, and livelihoods.

Alongside the statement, NSF endorsed a petition from the Nsulu communities, which was submitted through their legal representative, Mr. Sylvester Okonkwo. The petition, directed to key national security and aviation officials, including the Minister of Aviation, the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the National Security Adviser (NSA), accused the Abia State Government of attempting to seize land from Nsulu residents for the airport development.

The land in question belongs to several Nsulu communities, including Ikputu, Umuikeocha Umuode, Umuezeukwu, and Umuogu, among others. These communities are concerned about the potential loss of land that is vital to their agricultural activities and daily livelihoods.

The NSF underscored that while they do not oppose the idea of an airport in Igbo land, they insist that it must not be at the expense of the well-being of the Nsulu people.

The forum also raised concerns about the political and historical context surrounding the land. The proposed site was previously earmarked for the airport during the tenure of former Governor Theodore Orji.

However, the current Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, reportedly deemed the land secured under Orji’s administration unsuitable for the project and sought an alternative location.

The NSF believes that the decision to select Nsulu as a new site for the airport, especially given the high population density, is flawed and potentially harmful to the local communities.

Highlighting the unprecedented nature of this proposal, the forum pointed out that it would be the first time in Nigeria that an airport has been proposed so close to densely populated villages, with some communities located mere meters from the proposed site.

The NSF has called on President Bola Tinubu, through the Minister of Aviation, Mr. Festus Kayemo, to ensure that a comprehensive EIA is conducted before any further action is taken regarding the Nsulu site. They also reminded the government of its agricultural policies, emphasizing that denying the Nsulu people access to their fertile land contradicts efforts to achieve food sufficiency in the country.

While NSF acknowledged the importance of federal projects in the region, they urged that the proposed airport should not come at the cost of displacing the Nsulu communities. The forum further recommended that Governor Otti reconsider the land secured by former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu in 2015 and 2022, rather than pursuing a new site in Nsulu.

Edited By: Chinedu Eze

The journey to greatness is one step at a time and you should be part of it.

Join the NDconnect community channels on WhatsApp and Telegram to get News updates and add to the voices shaping the future : ❤️

WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VajWDeK29754T7BzHU2H

WhatsApp Community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/Dlm6LmlgmzaKCMUYP4BPwC

Telegram t.me/NDConnectNewsAlert

11 months ago

Apprehend Kidnappers of Justice Umukoro

11 months ago

Rivers: Peace at What Price?

11 months ago

2027: Can the Coalition Work?

1 year ago

Tinubu, Democracy Day, and June 12

1 year ago

Diri at 66: Daring The Terrain in Bayelsa

1 year ago

PDP's Rescue Mission

1 year ago

Reoccurring Nightmare of Police Brutality

1 year ago

Adieu Pa Clark (May 25, 1927 to February 17, 2025)

1 year ago

All Eyes on Pope Leo XIV

see more

Lagosians Have Made Parenting A Competition -Skit Maker

1 year ago

Two Killed in Abia Community by Suspected Cultists

…Traditional Ruler calls for justice

1 year ago

MNJTF Pays Tribute to Fallen Heroes, Honors Wounded Soldiers

1 year ago

All hope not lost, - Sylva after Court verdict

…Says it's a small setback

1 year ago

EPL: Postecoglou Dismisses Ownership Blame For Spurs Woes

1 year ago

CAF AWARDS: Troost-Ekong In, Boniface, Osimhen Out As CAF Release Final List

Niger Delta Connect is an award winning indigenous and community based news platform that delivers high quality and original stories that shine light on emerging developments, connect & unravel underreported realities in the Niger Delta.

Your News

Niger Delta News

Inside naija

World News

Quick Links

NSF Urges EIA Before Advancing Abia Airport Project

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

In a statement issued yesterday, NSF emphasized the need for an EIA due to the proximity of the proposed airport site to various Nsulu communities, which they fear could be adversely affected by the construction.

The forum voiced support for the project but expressed serious concerns about its potential risks to the densely populated communities in the area.

The forum’s members argued that the airport’s location, near residential areas, poses potential dangers to both current and future residents, including risks to health, safety, and livelihoods.

The land in question belongs to several Nsulu communities, including Ikputu, Umuikeocha Umuode, Umuezeukwu, and Umuogu, among others. These communities are concerned about the potential loss of land that is vital to their agricultural activities and daily livelihoods.

The NSF underscored that while they do not oppose the idea of an airport in Igbo land, they insist that it must not be at the expense of the well-being of the Nsulu people.

The forum also raised concerns about the political and historical context surrounding the land. The proposed site was previously earmarked for the airport during the tenure of former Governor Theodore Orji.

However, the current Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, reportedly deemed the land secured under Orji’s administration unsuitable for the project and sought an alternative location.

The NSF believes that the decision to select Nsulu as a new site for the airport, especially given the high population density, is flawed and potentially harmful to the local communities.

Highlighting the unprecedented nature of this proposal, the forum pointed out that it would be the first time in Nigeria that an airport has been proposed so close to densely populated villages, with some communities located mere meters from the proposed site.

Apprehend Kidnappers of Justice Umukoro

Rivers: Peace at What Price?

2027: Can the Coalition Work?

Tinubu, Democracy Day, and June 12

Diri at 66: Daring The Terrain in Bayelsa

PDP's Rescue Mission

Reoccurring Nightmare of Police Brutality

Adieu Pa Clark (May 25, 1927 to February 17, 2025)

All Eyes on Pope Leo XIV

see more

Recommended Stories

Lagosians Have Made Parenting A Competition -Skit Maker

Two Killed in Abia Community by Suspected Cultists

MNJTF Pays Tribute to Fallen Heroes, Honors Wounded Soldiers

All hope not lost, - Sylva after Court verdict

EPL: Postecoglou Dismisses Ownership Blame For Spurs Woes

CAF AWARDS: Troost-Ekong In, Boniface, Osimhen Out As CAF Release Final List