Over 200 families in Nuwalege, a rural community along the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Road in Abuja, have been left homeless following a demolition operation ordered by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) on behalf of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
The demolition, executed in January 2024, was part of an expansion project for the Presidential Air Fleet.
The sudden demolition has caused significant outrage among the displaced residents, who are now demanding compensation from the government. The operation razed more than 200 homes, contrary to prior assurances that only specific sections of the community would be affected. Many residents claim they were not given advance notice, and no compensation has been provided to those affected.
Wisdom James, a resident displaced by the demolition, recounted the distressing experience: “I live in Zamani now, but I’m originally from Nuwalege. Our house was demolished in January without any prior notice. The area marked for demolition was not where the bulldozers came. We were led to believe the demolition was postponed, only to find our homes being cleared without warning.”
Residents attempted to pursue legal action, pooling resources to fund their case. Contributions ranged from ₦2,500 to ₦10,000 each. However, their efforts have yielded no results, and the funds collected have reportedly vanished without explanation.
Obadiah Tanko, another long-time resident, emphasized the community’s deep-rooted connection to the land. “I’ve lived in Nuwalege for 15 years, and many of our ancestors are buried here. Previous demolitions in 2007 only affected part of the area, but now the entire community has been engulfed.”
The demolition has caused severe disruption, with many residents now scattered across neighboring areas such as Zamani, Sauka, Giri, and Gwagwalada. Folashade Olatunde, a mother of five, described the emotional toll: “We left on January 15, 2024. We haven’t received any compensation. My family is split up, with some of us staying in different places, including a church and with relatives.”
Despite numerous appeals, the displaced residents have yet to receive a substantive response from the government. NAF spokesperson AVM Edward Gabkwet has directed the affected families to seek redress from the Ministry of Defence or the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), noting, “NAF does not compensate for lands allocated to it by the Federal Government.”
Elizabeth Olushola, another victim, lamented the lack of compensation for her home and a block of classrooms she had constructed. “We received no financial aid or assistance. The government should compensate us for our losses.”
The Presidency, through Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, has distanced itself from the issue, referring inquiries to the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. Neither official has provided clarity or resolution on the compensation matter.
The situation in Nuwalege underscores the ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous communities in Nigeria, where development projects frequently displace vulnerable populations without adequate support or compensation. As the expansion of the Presidential Air Fleet moves forward, the displaced families of Nuwalege continue to await justice and the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.
