The Abia State Government has commenced the final phase of compensation payments to landowners and farmers affected by the acquisition of land for the proposed Abia Airport in Nsulu, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area.
In a press release issued by the Commissioner for Lands, Hon. Chaka Chukwumerije, the government disclosed that, acting on behalf of the Federal Government and in line with the provisions of the Land Use Act of 1978, it had acquired 1,025 hectares of land in Nsulu for the “over-riding public purpose of developing the Abia Airport”.
Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije, Hon. Commissioner for Lands
The communities affected by the acquisition include Umuala, Umuomainta, Umuezeukwu, Umuode, Umuosu and Ubaha.
According to the statement, full compensation has already been paid to all landowners and farmers within the designated airport runway area, thereby enabling project work to proceed without hindrance.
It added that payment to the remaining claimants outside the runway area commenced on 23 February 2026.
To ensure transparency and accountability, the government said it published and shared the compensation list and claims survey with the affected communities in December 2025 for vetting adding that payments were subsequently paused to allow the review process to be concluded.
The Commissioner (centre) during community engagement
The statement noted that specific concerns raised during a reconciliation meeting with community representatives led by Rt. Hon. Uzo Azubuike were thoroughly examined, pointing out that disputed claims are currently being investigated before any payment would be made.
It further disclosed that a general town hall meeting was held on 18 February 2026 to brief the communities and formally announce the final payment phase.
“They were reassured that compensation will be paid in full. Also, the Government’s commitment to a transparent and fair compensation process, with zero tolerance for corruption was reiterated. Any proven reported sharp practice, will be dealt with in strict accordance with the law”, the statement said.
Based on the payment schedule already released, the government advised claimants to report to the Ministry of Lands for due documentation and full payment of their compensation.
Below is the full press statement 👇👇👇👇
PRESS STATEMENT
ABIA AIRPORT – NSULU: FINAL COMPENSATION PAYMENT.
The Abia State Government, on behalf of the Federal Government, and in accordance with the Land Use Act, 1978, acquired 1,025 hectares of land in Nsulu, Isiala Ngwa North LGA, for the over-riding public purpose of developing the Abia Airport.
The affected Nsulu communities are Umuala, Umuomainta, Umuezeukwu, Umuode, Umuosu and Ubaha.
Full compensation has been paid to all landowners and farmers within the airport runway area, enabling project work to proceed. Payment to the remaining claimants outside the runway area began on February 23, 2026.
To promote accountability, the Government published and shared the compensation list and claims survey with communities in December 2025 for vetting. Payments were paused until this review process was completed. Specific concerns raised during a reconciliation meeting with community representatives led by Rt. Hon. Uzo Azubuike were reviewed thoroughly and disputed claims are being investigated before any payment may be made on them.
A general town hall meeting was held on February 18, 2026, to brief the communities and announce the final payment phase. They were reassured that compensation will be paid in full. Also, the Government’s commitment to a transparent and fair compensation process, with zero tolerance for corruption was reiterated. Any proven reported sharp practice, will be dealt with in strict accordance with the law.
Based on the payment schedule released, claimants are advised to come to the Ministry of Lands for due documentation and full payment of their compensation.
