Presidential Fleet: NAF Demolition Leaves 200 Families Homeless

Presidential Fleet: NAF Demolition Leaves 200 Families Homeless

Landowners from Nuwalege, Abuja, who were evicted by the Federal Government, are demanding compensation, according to The PUNCH. Over 200 families from the rural area along Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Road have been displaced following the demolition of their homes to make way for an extension of the Presidential Air Fleet. The demolition, executed by the Federal Capital Development Authority at the Nigerian Air Force’s request, has left the residents seeking shelter in nearby areas such as Zamani, Sauka, Giri, Iddo, and Gwagwalada…….CONTINUE READING 

Details on the Presidential Air Fleet project and its funding remain unclear, but there are indications that construction may begin soon as NAF personnel have been mobilized to the site. The displaced families claim they have not received any compensation from the Nyesom Wike-led Federal Capital Territory Administration, the Nigerian Air Force, or the Ministry of Aviation.

During a visit to Nuwalege, our correspondent was barred from entering the area by heavily armed Air Force personnel. Last December, Muktar Galadima, Director of the FCT Department of Development Control, mentioned that while the Air Force had notified the FCT Minister about the relocation plan, the status of compensation remained uncertain. He promised further investigation into the matter.

Residents argue they were not given prior notice or compensation for the demolition. Wisdom James, a former resident, noted that despite initial claims of a two-year delay, the demolition occurred unexpectedly. James and others contributed funds to seek legal recourse but saw no progress.

Obadiah Tanko, an indigene of the community, highlighted that their ancestors were buried on the land, which has been subjected to multiple demolitions over the years. Similarly, Folashade Olatunde described her family’s hardship following the demolition, including a lack of compensation and forced relocation.

Elizabeth Olushola and other residents, including Chukwuemeka Nwokoli and Josephine Johnson, also reported being displaced without compensation or adequate notice. Nwokoli expressed skepticism about the compensation process, while Johnson noted the severe impact on her family.

NAF spokesperson AVM Edward Gabkwet directed victims to contact the Ministry of Defence or FCTA, stating that NAF does not provide compensation for government-allocated land. Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, referred inquiries to the Minister of Aviation and the National Security Adviser. The FCT Director of Development Control and the Director of Resettlement and Compensation have yet to respond to requests for comment.