Abia State Launches Final Compensation for Airport-Affected Landowners

The Abia State Government has officially started the last phase of payments to landowners and farmers whose properties were acquired for the construction of Abia Airport in Nsulu, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area.

According to the Commissioner for Lands, Hon. Chaka I. Chukwumerije, a total of 1,025 hectares of land was acquired under the Land Use Act of 1978 to facilitate the federal airport project. Communities impacted include Umuala, Umuomainta, Umuezeukwu, Umuode, Umuosu, and Ubaha.

Payments for land within the airport’s runway area have been completed, enabling construction work to proceed, while the government began compensating remaining claimants outside the runway corridor on February 23, 2026. A detailed list of claimants was previously shared with the communities in December 2025 to allow verification and corrections.

The administration also held a town hall meeting on February 18, 2026, to update residents and address concerns raised during earlier reconciliation meetings led by Rt. Hon. Uzo Azubuike. Authorities stressed that disputed claims are still under review and promised that compensation would be handled fairly and transparently. Any cases of malpractice will be dealt with under the law.

Affected landowners have been advised to visit the Ministry of Lands for proper documentation and to collect their payments.