The Abia State Government has officially launched the compensation process for individuals, corporate entities, and organizations whose lands have been acquired for the Abia Industrial Innovation Park (AIIP) in Ipu land, Ukwa West Local Government Area.
The process will begin on December 31, 2024, covering host communities such as Umuololo, Umuakata, Okohia, Uzaku, Obibor, and Umuorlu.
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At a Town Hall Meeting held on December 23, 2024, at Vincker Hotels, Owaza, the State Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr. Chaka Ikenna Chukwumerije, urged affected parties to complete the required indemnity forms and documentation to facilitate the smooth processing of compensation.
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Chukwumerije emphasized that the compensation process would be fair and transparent, aligning with Governor Alex Otti’s commitment to due process and human-centered governance. He highlighted the unique features of the AIIP, including transparency, federal support, and international partnerships.
“Governor Alex Otti’s administration is committed to due process and human-centered governance. We will ensure compensation is paid for land acquired for public interest,” Chukwumerije assured.
The Commissioner described the AIIP as an economic initiative beneficial to all stakeholders, including host communities, investors, and the government. He stressed that the project is insulated from politics, with government oversight to ensure equitable distribution of benefits.
Chukwumerije also conveyed Governor Otti’s gratitude to the communities for their contributions of land to the project, recognizing their role in driving the state’s industrial growth.
The Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, praised the host communities for their cooperation and highlighted the significant benefits the project would bring to Ipu land. He commended Governor Otti for setting a new land acquisition and compensation precedent.
Prof. Joel Ogbonna, the Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, described the AIIP as a transformative project for Abia’s economy. Spanning 1,937 hectares in Owaza and surrounding communities, the Park is designed to attract investors and foster the establishment of modular refineries, petrochemical plants, and fertilizer companies.
Ogbonna highlighted Abia’s untapped oil and gas resources, noting the state’s 100 capped oil wells capable of producing one million barrels daily. He underscored the AIIP’s role in rejuvenating the state’s economy by leveraging its strategic location, skilled labor, and secure environment.
The Park will also feature a tech and business innovation center, constructed by leading infrastructure firms and managed by top industry professionals to attract global investment.
Deputy Chairman of Ukwa West, Pastor Joel Nwankwo, expressed gratitude to Governor Otti for addressing the area’s long-standing neglect. He emphasized the AIIP’s potential to harness Ipu land’s oil and gas resources for socio-economic development.
Traditional leaders, including Chief Uche Nwaele, voiced optimism about the project, highlighting expectations of steady power supply, fair compensation, community involvement, and job creation.
In a media briefing, Chukwumerije addressed concerns about missing names in the verification process, reassuring stakeholders that such cases would be resolved. “The enumeration process has already been completed, accounting for all crops, economic trees, and improvements in the acquired areas. Before compensation is paid, an indemnity form is signed to protect both the claimants and the government,” he explained.
Chief Chukwuka Okeke, a community leader, acknowledged the government’s efforts in advancing the area’s development, while Pastor Ezikiel Adiele Chibundu, a community liaison officer, described the indemnity form as a vital tool for identifying legitimate claimants.
As the compensation process unfolds, both the government and the affected communities remain focused on ensuring that the AIIP project progresses smoothly, promising widespread economic and social benefits for Abia State.
