Nigeria: Senator Wants Informal Settlements Around Abuja Airport Demolished

Most senators opposed a proposal from their colleague.

On Wednesday, Deputy Chief Whip Onyekachi Nwebonyi urged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to demolish informal settlements near Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. He called for relocating the residents during a debate on the 2025 FCT budget.

Mr. Nwebonyi represents Ebonyi North Senatorial District. He stated that some structures around the airport do not present a positive image of Nigeria to visitors. He described these communities as an eyesore.

He said, "I want the FCT minister to extend infrastructure development around Abuja airport." He added that what people see when descending into Abuja does not reflect well on Nigeria. He believes this should be included in the next budget.

Several informal settlements are along the Abuja airport road. Residents include locals who consider these areas their ancestral homes and low-income earners unable to afford high rents elsewhere in Abuja. These communities often lack adequate infrastructure and some are classified as unauthorized by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

In recent years, FCTA has demolished structures in these areas to enforce the Abuja Master Plan.

During the debate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio questioned Mr. Nwebonyi's call for demolition. He asked for clarification on which specific area he meant.

"Senator Nwebonyi, which part of the airport?" Mr. Akpabio asked. "The first place you see is the presidential wing, then a beautiful flyover."

Mr. Nwebonyi clarified he was referring to "shanties at the back of Abuja airport." The Senate President responded that those communities are homes built by people who can only afford them.

"When you're inside a plane? That is somebody's village," Mr. Akpabio said. "Are you saying we should evacuate them so you can see high rises?"

Despite Mr. Akpabio's comments, Mr. Nwebonyi insisted that this area lies within the capital and needs development.

Afterward, Mr. Akpabio put Mr. Nwebonyi's proposal to a vote, which was opposed by most senators through a voice vote. The Senate President ruled Mr. Nwebonyi out of order.

Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), a former FCT minister, also spoke up during the discussion. He explained that lands in question have already been allocated for formal development.

"He’s referring to illegal settlements," he said. "The land has been allocated but development hasn’t reached there yet."