“Those Villages Near Abuja Airport Are a National Disgrace” — Senator Nwaebonyi Calls for Demolition and Relocation

Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, representing Ebonyi North and serving as Deputy Chief Whip in the Senate, has sparked controversy following his call for the demolition or relocation of settlements near the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. Describing the area as an “eyesore,” the senator argued during plenary last Thursday that the view from the airport presents a poor image of Nigeria to arriving visitors.

Nwaebonyi urged the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister to prioritize the redevelopment of the airport’s surrounding communities in the next FCT budget. He emphasized the need to either relocate the residents or renovate the area to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the capital’s entry point.

“I want the FCT minister to extend his development of the FCT within the surroundings of Abuja airport,” Nwaebonyi said. “The type of infrastructure within the environs does not represent a good image of Nigeria… As you descend into the Abuja airport, the view is an eyesore and doesn’t give a good image of the nation.”

However, Senate President Godswill Akpabio challenged the proposal, questioning the senator’s description of the area. He pointed out that visitors arriving in Abuja are first greeted by well-developed infrastructure, including the presidential wing of the airport, a flyover, and well-lit roads.

“Senator Nwaebonyi, which part of the airport?” Akpabio asked. “If you’re coming from the airport, the first place you see is the presidential wing… you’ll now descend towards a road completed with streetlights—very beautiful.”

Nwaebonyi clarified that he was referring specifically to “shanties at the back of the Abuja airport,” but Akpabio pushed back, questioning whether relocating entire communities based on aesthetics was justifiable. “This community is some people’s village,” Akpabio said. “The image of the nation does not start from when your airplane is descending.”

The senator’s motion was ultimately rejected after a voice vote, with more lawmakers opposing than supporting it. The presiding officer brought the matter to a close with a definitive gavel.