Work Intensifies on Abia International Airport Runway as Government, Media Team Inspect Project Site
Construction activities at the Abia International Airport project in Nsulu, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, have gathered significant momentum as work on the runway continues at an accelerated pace.
The airport, a joint initiative between the Abia State Government and the Federal Government, is progressing steadily, with officials expressing optimism about its completion timeline and long-term economic benefits for the state.
During an inspection tour conducted by a state government delegation alongside journalists and members of the Renewed Hope Presidential Media Team, officials provided updates on the current stage of the project and future plans.
Speaking to journalists, the Abia State Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije, disclosed that the state government acquired the 1,025-hectare land designated for the project on behalf of the Federal Government.
According to him, the airport was originally designed as a cargo airport but was later upgraded to an international airport following the intervention and strategic vision of the Abia State Government.
“The initial intention was to build a cargo airport, but with the intervention of the Abia State Government, it was upgraded to an international airport,” Chukwumerije explained.
He further clarified that the Abia State Government is responsible for constructing the runway, while the Federal Government will undertake the development of the terminal building.
The commissioner also revealed that compensation payments to landowners directly affected by the runway construction have been completed, while compensation for surrounding areas is still ongoing and nearing completion.
“For the land acquisition, we have made substantial progress in compensation payments. Everyone whose land falls within the runway corridor has been fully compensated. Compensation for the surrounding areas is actively ongoing and will soon be concluded,” he said.
Also speaking during the tour, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Lands and Housing and Airport Coordinator, Pastor Okorougo Aji, stated that extensive work is already underway on the three-kilometre runway.
He explained that major construction activities, including land clearing, cutting, filling, and soil compaction, are progressing rapidly, with earthworks on nearly one kilometre of the runway approaching completion.
Pastor Aji expressed confidence that the airport project would be completed within the next two years, describing it as a vision that is gradually becoming a reality despite initial scepticism from some quarters.
“The airport project is steadily transforming from a dream into reality. Many people doubted its feasibility, but the progress recorded so far demonstrates the government’s commitment to delivering the project,” he said.
The site engineer, Mr. Yusuf Tawk, acknowledged that the rainy season has posed certain challenges but assured that construction activities remain on track and that the contractors are committed to meeting project deadlines.
The inspection team also included the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu; the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Mr. Ikechukwu Monday; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma; and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Sir Chris Onwuegbu, alongside other senior government officials.
Upon completion, the Abia International Airport is expected to significantly boost economic activities, attract local and international investors, improve transportation infrastructure, and unlock the state’s tourism potential.
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The project is widely seen as a strategic investment that could position Abia State as a major commercial and investment hub in southeastern Nigeria.
Source: Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma (June 18, 2026).
