The Federal Government is under fire following the demolition of over 200 homes in Nuwalege, a rural community along the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Road in Abuja. The demolitions, carried out by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) at the request of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), were intended to clear space for the expansion of the Presidential Air Fleet.
Outrage and Displacement
The demolition, executed in January 2024, has left more than 200 families homeless. Residents are enraged, claiming that the demolition was conducted without prior notice and that no compensation has been provided. Many displaced individuals recount the trauma of losing their homes and the subsequent hardships they face.
Wisdom James, a resident who lost her home, expressed frustration over the lack of communication and the misleading information regarding the timing of the demolition. She and other residents have pooled resources to seek legal recourse, but their efforts have so far been unsuccessful.
Historical Ties and Impact
Obadiah Tanko, another resident, emphasized the deep historical connection his community has with the land now claimed by the NAF. The demolition is a continuation of a previous clearance in 2007 and has expanded to affect the entire area, impacting many long-time residents.
Folashade Olatunde, a mother of five, described the emotional and logistical upheaval caused by the forced eviction. She and her family are now scattered across different locations, including staying with relatives and in nearby churches.
Government Response
The NAF has directed displaced families to address their grievances with the Ministry of Defence or the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), stating that the NAF does not handle compensation for land allocations.
The Presidency, through Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, has referred inquiries to the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. However, no clear resolution or compensation has been provided, leaving the displaced families in a precarious situation.
The situation in Nuwalege underscores the broader challenges faced by Indigenous communities in Nigeria, where development projects often come at the expense of vulnerable populations. As the government proceeds with expanding the Presidential Air Fleet, the affected families continue to seek justice and compensation to rebuild their lives.