Air quality degradation in oil-bearing regions of Nigeria is an under-monitored but critical environmental and public health issue. This study evaluates the air quality status of three oil-impacted communities in Abia State Asah, Owaasaa, and Ugwunagbo using the Air Quality Index (AQI) framework as an integrative indicator of environmental risk. Simulated daily concentrations of particulate matter (PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and carbon monoxide (CO) constrained within empirically reported ranges for Niger Delta oil communities were used to compute AQI values over a 60-day dry-season period. The results indicate that Asah experiences predominantly “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” and “Unhealthy” air quality, whereas Owaasaa and Ugwunagbo more frequently fall within the “Unhealthy,” “Very Unhealthy,” and “Hazardous” AQI categories, driven largely by persistently elevated PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ concentrations and episodic peaks of SO₂ and CO. When compared with World Health Organization (WHO) guideline values and United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) AQI thresholds, the modeled air quality profile suggests a substantial risk of acute and chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, ecological degradation, and reduced agricultural productivity. The study concludes that the three communities are likely experiencing chronic exposure to harmful air pollutants that are incompatible with sustainable public health and environmental integrity. It recommends the establishment of continuous air quality monitoring stations, stricter enforcement of emission regulations, targeted public health interventions, and community-based environmental awareness programmes to protect residents of Asah, Owaasaa, and Ugwunagbo and to guide evidence-based policy interventions in Abia State.