A spirited attempt by Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi to justify the demolition of informal settlements near the Abuja airport was met with stern opposition on the Senate floor — and ultimately failed.
Nwaebonyi had sought to clarify that his demolition proposal targeted “shanties at the back of the Abuja airport,” citing national image concerns.
But Senate President Godswill Akpabio was quick to push back, defending the dignity of communities situated along the corridor.
“This community is some people’s village,” Akpabio said firmly. “The image of the nation does not start from when your airplane is descending.”
Drawing a comparison with his home state, he added: “So, what happens in a place like Akwa Ibom… when you descend, you see water and creeks. So we should eliminate the creeks in this case?”
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Despite Nwaebonyi’s efforts, the Senate was not convinced. When the proposal was subjected to a voice vote, the “nays” clearly outweighed the “ayes,” prompting Akpabio to bring down the gavel — effectively shelving the motion.
The debate once again highlights the tension between urban development and the protection of informal communities, many of which line the Abuja airport road.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has previously labeled these settlements as “security threats,” pledging to clear them out — a stance that has drawn criticism from rights groups.
While the motion may have failed, the issue remains contentious, with urban renewal in the capital still very much on the agenda.