Forced Out for Presidential Fleet: 200 Abuja Families Left Homeless, Await Compensation

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has demolished over 200 homes in Nuwalege, a rural community along the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Road in Abuja, to make way for an extension of the Presidential Air Fleet. The demolition, executed by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) at the request of NAF, has left more than 200 families homeless, sparking outrage and calls for compensation.

Residents of Nuwalege, including Abuja natives and others, were forced to relocate to neighboring communities such as Zamani, Sauka, Giri, Iddo, and Gwagwalada. Despite the magnitude of the displacement, affected families report that they have received no compensation from the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), the Nigerian Air Force, or the Ministry of Aviation.

The situation in Nuwalege has been tense, with NAF personnel heavily guarding the area to prevent any return by the displaced residents. When reporters visited the site, they were denied access by armed personnel, underscoring the security concerns surrounding the project.

Residents have expressed their frustration and despair over the suddenness of the demolition and the lack of prior notice or compensation. Many claimed they were initially informed that the demolition would occur in two years, only to have bulldozers arrive unexpectedly in January 2024, reducing their homes to rubble.

One resident, Wisdom James, shared his experience, stating, “We were told the demolition was postponed for two years, but within days, they came with bulldozers and cleared everything without warning or compensation.”

Similarly, other displaced residents have recounted harrowing experiences of losing their homes and livelihoods overnight. Folashade Olatunde, a mother of five, described how her family was scattered following the demolition, with some members forced to sleep in a church and others in a primary school before finding temporary accommodation in Zamani.

The community’s efforts to seek justice through legal action have so far been fruitless. Contributions were collected from residents to fund a court case, but according to James, “nothing has come of it,” and the funds have seemingly disappeared.

The NAF spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, distanced the Air Force from the compensation issue, advising the displaced families to take their grievances to the Ministry of Defence or the FCTA. He stated, “NAF does not compensate for lands allocated to it by the Federal Government.”

Attempts to reach key officials for comments on the compensation issue have been largely unsuccessful. The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, redirected inquiries to the Minister of Aviation and the National Security Adviser, while the FCT Director of Development Control, Muktar Galadima, and other relevant authorities have remained silent on the matter.

As the affected families continue to grapple with the aftermath of the demolition, the lack of clear communication and compensation from the government has only deepened their plight, leaving many uncertain about their future.