Indigenous groups in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have strongly criticised Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi (Ebonyi North) after he called for the demolition of residential settlements near the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
Speaking during a Senate session on May 21, Nwaebonyi described the communities as an “eyesore” that tarnishes Nigeria’s image for international visitors.
His remarks sparked outrage among FCT natives and residents, who labelled the comment as elitist and out of touch.
Dalhatu Ezekiel, a former Public Complaints Commissioner, said the senator’s statement shows a lack of understanding of the struggles faced by ordinary Nigerians.
“He prioritises appearances over people’s lives. It’s undemocratic and demeaning,” Ezekiel said.
Yunusa Yusuf, Chairman of the FCT Indigenous People Association, demanded a public apology, saying demolition should not be the solution.
“If he doesn’t apologise, he risks being booed at public events,” Yusuf warned.
David Isaac, president of the Abuja Original Inhabitants Youths and Empowerment Organisation, accused the senator of pushing an agenda that may benefit private developers.
“Communities near airports exist worldwide. If these areas are truly a concern, they should be upgraded—not destroyed,” Isaac said.
The controversy has reignited debates around forced evictions, urban renewal, and the rights of Abuja’s original inhabitants.
