Construction work on the Abia International Airport in Nsulu, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, has reached a significant stage, with major progress recorded on the airport’s runway as efforts intensify to deliver the landmark infrastructure project.
The airport, a collaborative initiative between the Abia State Government and the Federal Government, was recently inspected by a team of government officials and journalists during an ongoing tour organized for members of the Renewed Hope Presidential Media Team.
Speaking during the inspection, the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije, disclosed that the Abia State Government acquired 1,025 hectares of land for the project on behalf of the Federal Government.
According to him, the project was initially designed as a cargo airport but was later upgraded to an international airport following the intervention of the 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 stated.
He further explained 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 affected by the runway corridor have been fully completed, while compensation for owners of adjoining lands is nearing completion.
“Compensation for everybody whose land was acquired within the runway has been completed. The surrounding land around the runway is also being actively compensated, and we will soon complete the process,” he said.
Providing an update on construction activities, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Lands and Housing and Airport Coordinator, Pastor Okorougo Aji, disclosed that the three-kilometre runway has been completely cleared.
He noted that extensive engineering works, including cutting, filling, and compacting operations, are currently ongoing across the site. According to him, earthworks on nearly one kilometre of the runway are already approaching completion.
Pastor Aji expressed optimism that the airport project would be completed within the next two years, describing it as a vision that is gradually becoming reality despite earlier doubts about its feasibility.
Meanwhile, the site engineer, Mr. Yusuf Tawk, assured stakeholders that construction is progressing steadily despite challenges posed by the rainy season. He reaffirmed the commitment of the construction company to delivering the project within the agreed timeframe.
The inspection team included the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu; Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Mr. Ikechukwu Monday; Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Sir Chris Onwuegbu; and other senior government officials.
Upon completion, the Abia International Airport is expected to serve as a major economic catalyst for the state by attracting investments, improving connectivity, facilitating trade, and unlocking Abia’s vast tourism and economic potential.
The project remains one of the flagship infrastructure developments of the current administration and is expected to significantly contribute to the state’s long-term economic growth and regional competitiveness.
