The Abia State Government has announced plans to commence compensation payments to 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, starting December 31, 2024.
The AIIP project will be hosted by several communities, including Umuololo, Umuakata, Okohia, Uzaku, Obibor, and Umuorlu.
During a Town Hall Meeting at Vincker Hotels, Owaza, the State Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr. Chaka Ikenna Chukwumerije, urged affected parties to complete the necessary Indemnity Certificate and other documentation to ensure smooth compensation processing.
Chukwumerije assured fair compensation, environmental protection, and corporate social responsibility, emphasizing the project’s distinction from previous initiatives due to its 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,” he affirmed.
Highlighting the AIIP as beneficial for all stakeholders, including host communities, investors, and the government, the Commissioner described it as an economic initiative insulated from politics, with the government providing regulation and oversight.
He conveyed Governor Alex Otti’s gratitude to the communities for their land contributions to the project.
Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, praised the community’s cooperation and highlighted the project’s benefits for Ipu land, thanking Governor Otti for setting a precedent in land acquisition and compensation.
Prof. Joel Ogbonna, State Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, described the AIIP as transformative for Abia’s economy, leveraging oil and gas deposits in Ukwa to industrialize the state. He noted the acquisition of 1,937 hectares in Owaza and other communities to establish a hub for modular refineries, petrochemical, and fertilizer companies.
Ogbonna emphasized the influx of investors interested in setting up factories at the Park, citing Abia’s 100 capped oil wells, each capable of producing one million barrels daily.
He stated that the AIIP aims to rejuvenate Abia’s economy, capitalizing on its strategic location, skilled labour, and secure environment. The Park will feature a tech and business innovation center, constructed by leading infrastructure firms, and managed by top industry professionals to attract global investment.
He commended the communities for supporting Governor Otti’s vision of an economic city and assured them of project benefits upon completion.
Deputy Chairman of Ukwa West, Pastor Joel Nwankwo, expressed gratitude to Governor Otti for addressing the area’s long-standing neglect, highlighting the AIIP’s potential to harness Ipu land’s oil and gas resources for socio-economic development.
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Traditional rulers and Chief Uche Nwaele, a traditional prime minister, expressed optimism for steady power supply, fair compensation, community involvement, and employment opportunities, assuring investors of a favourable business environment.
