More than 200 families in Nuwalege, a rural community along the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Road in Abuja, have been left homeless after the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) demolished their homes to make way for an extension of the Presidential Air Fleet. The demolition, carried out at the request of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), has forced displaced residents to seek refuge in nearby communities such as Zamani, Sauka, Giri, Iddo, and Gwagwalada.
Despite promises made by the FCDA to compensate affected residents, many have reported receiving no notification or compensation before their homes were destroyed. The demolition, which occurred on January 15, 2024, left many scrambling to find shelter and has caused significant disruptions to the lives of the displaced families.
Residents, including artisans and teachers who have lived in Nuwalege for decades, expressed their frustration and despair over the sudden loss of their homes. Many had initially been told that only certain areas would be affected, with some being assured that demolition would not occur for another two years. However, bulldozers arrived unannounced, flattening every home in the community.
Some residents pooled their resources to take legal action against the government, but so far, there has been no progress, and many remain without any form of restitution. The NAF has stated that compensation is the responsibility of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) or the Ministry of Defence, as the Air Force does not compensate for land allocated by the Federal Government.
Efforts to obtain comments from relevant officials, including the Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo and FCT officials, have been largely unsuccessful. Meanwhile, the displaced families continue to struggle with the aftermath of the demolition, with some now living in makeshift shelters, separated from their loved ones, and facing severe financial hardship. The affected residents are calling on the government to fulfill its promises of compensation and resettlement to alleviate their suffering.
