Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Carmen Diego
The Abia State Government has announced the commencement of the final phase of compensation payment following the acquisition of 1,025 hectares of land in Nsulu community, located within Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, for the development of the proposed Abia Airport project.
The land acquisition was carried out on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria in line with statutory provisions guiding public infrastructure development and the public purpose requirements associated with the project. Authorities stated that the acquisition was executed under the framework of the country’s land administration policy, which permits government appropriation of land for overriding public interest, provided fair and adequate compensation is guaranteed to affected landowners.
The affected Nsulu communities involved in the acquisition include Umuala, Umuomainta, Umuezeukwu, Umuode, Umuosu and Ubaha. Government officials confirmed that full compensation has already been paid to landowners and farmers within the designated runway construction zone, allowing engineering and construction activities connected to the airport project to proceed without further obstruction.
Payment to remaining claimants located outside the runway runway alignment began on February 23, 2026, as part of the phased settlement programme. The state government explained that the phased approach was adopted to ensure accuracy in beneficiary verification and to minimize administrative disputes.
To promote transparency, the compensation register and survey documentation were publicly released and distributed to community representatives in December 2025. Authorities said payment processes were temporarily suspended during the review exercise to allow residents to examine the records and raise objections where necessary. Officials described the review as part of accountability safeguards designed to prevent fraudulent claims or multiple registrations.
During a reconciliation meeting held with community stakeholders and led by Rt. Hon. Uzo Azubuike, several concerns were raised regarding specific claims and survey classifications. Government representatives stated that all complaints were carefully examined, and disputed entries are currently under investigation. Authorities said payments linked to contested claims will only be processed after verification procedures are completed.
The state government also held a town hall engagement session on February 18, 2026, to update residents on progress and outline the final compensation schedule. Community members were assured that compensation obligations would be fully honoured. Officials reiterated the administration’s commitment to maintaining fairness, openness and strict adherence to legal standards throughout the process.
Commissioner for Lands, Hon. Chaka I. Chukwumerije, emphasized that the administration maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption or manipulation of compensation procedures. He warned that any confirmed misconduct associated with the payment process would attract appropriate legal consequences in accordance with national and state laws governing public land administration.
The airport project in Nsulu is widely viewed as a major infrastructure initiative aimed at strengthening aviation connectivity and supporting economic development within Abia State and the wider southeastern region. State officials argue that the facility, once completed, is expected to stimulate commerce, attract investment and create employment opportunities across multiple sectors including logistics, hospitality and transportation.
Residents whose claims have been verified are advised to present themselves at the Ministry of Lands office for final documentation and compensation disbursement. Government officials stated that payment schedules have been published and distributed through community channels to facilitate orderly processing.
Land acquisition for public infrastructure projects in Nigeria is governed by constitutional and statutory provisions that require compensation for displaced landholders. The authorities reiterated that the Nsulu compensation exercise is intended to comply with these legal protections while balancing development objectives with community welfare.
Community leaders in Nsulu have previously expressed mixed reactions to the project, with some residents supporting the airport initiative as a catalyst for regional growth while others raised concerns about farmland displacement and livelihood disruption. Government representatives said ongoing dialogue with community structures remains central to project implementation.
Construction work related to the airport development is expected to progress alongside the final compensation phase, although officials have not publicly announced a revised completion timeline for the aviation facility.
The administration urged residents to remain calm and avoid misinformation, stating that only information released through official channels should be considered authoritative.
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