Over 200 families in Nuwalege, a rural community near the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, have been displaced following the demolition of their homes. The demolition was ordered by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) at the request of the Nigerian Air Force to extend the Presidential Air Fleet. The affected residents, who were not given compensation, have appealed to the Federal Government for assistance.
The FCDA claimed that the residents were given a two-month notice before the demolition, which took place in January 2024. However, many residents argue that they were not adequately informed or compensated for their loss. An artisan, Wisdom James, shared that residents were initially told that demolition would happen in two years, but it occurred suddenly, leaving them without time to prepare.
Many displaced families have sought shelter in nearby communities such as Zamani, Sauka, Giri, and Gwagwalada. Some are living in temporary arrangements, including classrooms and relatives’ homes, with no clear path to recovery. Affected individuals like Folashade Olatunde and Josephine Johnson recounted the hardships faced after losing their homes, including family separation and financial struggles to find new housing.
Residents claim they contributed money to pursue legal action, but their efforts have so far yielded no results. The Nigerian Air Force spokesperson, AVM Edward Gabkwet, stated that NAF does not provide compensation for lands allocated to it by the Federal Government and suggested that affected families contact the Ministry of Defence or the FCTA.
