The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has instructed the Director of the Department of Development Control to facilitate the evacuation of the Nuwalege community along Airport Road to clear space for the presidential fleet. This directive follows a request from the Nigerian Air Force.
During a community and citizen engagement session in Abuja on Tuesday, the minister, represented by the director, Mukhtar Galadima, highlighted the necessity for the community to yield space for the runway.
Approximately a month ago, the Nigerian Air Force formally communicated its needs and intention to relocate the Nuwalege village as it falls within the designated area for the presidential fleet plots. Minister Wike, in response, requested that the FCT administration handle the matter.
Galadima, speaking on behalf of the minister, emphasized the responsibility of the FCT administration in managing such situations. He explained the community engagement as a crucial step, ensuring transparency and communication with the affected residents.
During the engagement, the Department of Development Control conveyed the purpose of their visit to the community and discussed their intentions. Galadima expressed the need for dialogue rather than abrupt eviction, stating, “It will be unfair to just bring the machine here and start removing their houses.”
In terms of the impact, Galadima estimated that approximately 150 to 200 houses, along with additional commercial stores attached to these houses, would be subject to removal as part of the eviction process. The engagement aimed to inform and involve the community in the process while addressing concerns and ensuring a smoother transition.
