Senator Nwebony has Proposed Relocation of Communities Near Abuja Airport to Enhance Nigeria’s Global Image

Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District, has put forward a proposal in the Nigerian Senate advocating for the relocation of communities near Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The senator argues that the sight of old houses and informal settlements visible to arriving air travelers presents a poor image of Nigeria to international visitors.

During a plenary session on May 14, 2025, Senator Nwebonyi urged the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, to incorporate plans for relocating or upgrading these settlements in the upcoming budget. He emphasized that the area, being part of the capital, should reflect a more developed aesthetic

“The sight of old houses while landing at the airport presents a poor image of the country,” Senator Nwebonyi stated, reinforcing his call for infrastructural improvements.

However, the proposal faced strong opposition from Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other senators, who argued that these communities are home to many Nigerians and should not be displaced for cosmetic reasons. Akpabio defended the residents, stating, “That is somebody’s village, and that is what they can afford.”