Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has instructed the Director of the Department of Development Control to oversee the demolition of over 200 houses in the Nuwalege community along the Airport Road.
The move comes in response to a request from the Nigerian Air Force to clear the area for the presidential fleet plot.
Represented by Director Tpl Mukhtar Galadima during a community and citizen engagement in Abuja, Minister Wike stressed the significance of the community accommodating this development.
The Nigerian Air Force had previously approached the minister with plans to relocate the village, as it falls within the designated area for the presidential fleet plots.
Approximately 150 to 200 houses, along with attached commercial stores, will be demolished, according to Galadima. Discussions regarding compensation for the affected locals are underway with the Air Force.
Galadima emphasized the need for thorough verification of recipients and ensuring that compensation has been received.
The Department of Resettlement and Compensation, along with the Nigerian Air Force, will conduct further investigations into compensation payments and address claims related to the expansion project.
Galadima highlighted security concerns, stating that certain areas of the settlement are prone to criminal activity, making it necessary to ensure the proximity of the Air Force formation (presidential fleet) is secure.
Community engagement will be conducted to address concerns, with a focus on the affected areas within the presidential fleet plot. The minister’s representative assured that wider consultations involving the Nigerian Air Force, colleagues, and community heads will take place to adequately engage all stakeholders in the process.
