Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi Proposes Relocation Of Old Communities Near Abuja Airport.
Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District, has stirred controversy with a proposal in the Nigerian Senate to relocate communities near Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. During a plenary session on 14 May 2025, aired live by NASSTV, the Deputy Chief Whip argued that the sight of old houses and informal settlements when landing at the airport portrays a negative image of Nigeria to international visitors. The proposal, however, faced strong opposition from Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other senators, igniting a broader discussion about urban development and social equity.
Nwebonyi urged the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, to include plans for relocating or upgrading these settlements in the upcoming budget, suggesting that their appearance detracts from the capital’s status as a modern hub. “The sight of old houses while landing at the airport presents a poor image of the country,” Nwebonyi stated, according to posts circulating on X. He insisted that the area, being part of the capital, should reflect a more developed aesthetic.
Senate President Akpabio sharply rebuked the proposal, defending the communities as “somebody’s village” and highlighting the economic realities of residents who rely on affordable housing in these areas. “That is what they can afford!” Akpabio exclaimed, challenging Nwebonyi to clarify the specific locations targeted for relocation. The Senate President’s remarks underscored the tension between aesthetic urban planning and the need for inclusive governance that prioritises residents’ livelihoods. When put to a voice vote, the majority of senators rejected Nwebonyi’s proposal, reflecting widespread unease with the idea of displacing communities for cosmetic reasons.
The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, located approximately 20 km southwest of Abuja’s city centre, serves as Nigeria’s primary gateway to the capital, handling both domestic and international flights. The surrounding areas include informal settlements, often home to low-income families, which have grown alongside the city’s rapid development. Posts on X have amplified public sentiment, with many Nigerians criticising Nwebonyi’s remarks as insensitive to the realities of poverty and displacement. One user wrote, “Relocating people because of ‘old houses’ is tone-deaf when many are struggling to survive.” Others, however, supported the senator’s call for modernisation, arguing that a polished capital city could boost Nigeria’s global image.
This debate comes at a time when Abuja’s infrastructure is under scrutiny. The Federal Government is investing heavily in the airport, with plans for a second runway costing £56.7 billion (N72 billion) and the recent designation of Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport in Minna as an alternative hub. These developments aim to enhance Nigeria’s aviation sector, but critics argue that resources should also address pressing social issues, such as affordable housing and poverty alleviation, rather than displacing communities for aesthetic purposes.
The rejection of Nwebonyi’s proposal in the Senate signals a preference for solutions that balance development with empathy. As Nigeria navigates its urban growth, the debate highlights the need for policies that prioritise both the nation’s image and the welfare of its citizens. The FCT administration has yet to comment officially on the matter, but public discourse on X suggests that any future plans for the airport’s surrounding areas will face intense scrutiny
