NAF demolishes houses displaces over 200 families for presidential fleet project
Landowners in Nuwalege, Abuja, who were recently displaced by a Federal Government action, have petitioned for compensation.
Over 200 families from Nuwalege, a rural settlement along Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Road, have been left homeless following the demolition of their homes to facilitate an expansion of the Presidential Air Fleet. This demolition was executed by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) at the request of the Nigerian Air Force.
The affected families have been relocated to neighboring communities such as Zamani, Sauka, Giri, Iddo, and Gwagwalada.
Details on the Presidential Air Fleet project and its funding are unclear, but indications suggest that construction will soon begin, with Nigerian Air Force personnel already mobilized to the site. Despite this, the displaced residents report that they have not received any compensation from the Nyesom Wike-led Federal Capital Territory Administration, the Nigerian Air Force, or the Ministry of Aviation.
In December, during a community meeting, Muktar Galadima, Director of the FCT Department of Development Control, indicated that the Air Force had notified the FCT minister about the relocation plan but left the status of compensation uncertain. Galadima promised to investigate further with the FCT Department of Resettlement and Compensation and the Nigerian Air Force to clarify whether any compensation had been paid.
Galadima previously stated that residents were given a two-month notice prior to the demolition and that his office had communicated the administration’s policy on relocating indigenous communities to the Air Force. He mentioned that indigenous properties were exempt from demolition due to statutory obligations for relocation and compensation.
However, many residents contest this account, claiming they were neither notified in advance nor compensated. Wisdom James, a former resident, stated that they were initially told the demolition would occur in two years but were instead abruptly displaced within days. Efforts by the community to seek legal recourse for compensation have reportedly yielded no results.
Obadiah Tanko, an indigenous resident, highlighted that his family had lived in Nuwalege for over 15 years, even before the Air Force base was established nearby. He recounted past demolitions and legal battles but reported no compensation or relocation assistance for those affected.
Folashade Olatunde, another displaced resident, described her struggle after the demolition, revealing that her family had to live in a classroom before finding a new apartment in Zamani. She criticized the government for not providing compensation or assistance with resettlement.
Elizabeth Olushola, who lost both her home and a school she had built, similarly expressed frustration at not receiving any compensation or support from the authorities. She emphasized the severe hardship faced due to the demolition and the lack of financial assistance.
Chukwuemeka Nwokoli and other residents also shared their experiences of abrupt displacement, lack of prior notice, and failure to receive compensation or assistance.
NAF spokesperson AVM Edward Gabkwet advised the displaced residents to approach the Ministry of Defence or the FCTA for resolution, noting that the NAF does not provide compensation for lands allocated by the Federal Government.
When contacted, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, suggested reaching out to the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, or the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for more information. Keyamo, however, did not address the compensation issue directly but referred to a previous statement about compensation for another community affected by a different project.
The Ministry of Defence spokesperson, Henshaw Ogubike, did not respond to inquiries regarding the matter. Similarly, FCDA Director Muktar Galadima was unavailable for comment despite multiple attempts to contact him.
