FCTA to Demolition 200 Houses for Presidential Fleet Expansion

By Iyojo Ameh

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has greenlit the demolition of 200 residential properties in Nuwalege community along the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to pave the way for the expansion of the Presidential Fleet.

This decision follows a request from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to clear space in proximity to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

Mukhtar Galadima, Director of the Department of Development Control during a community engagement unveiled the plan, citing NAF’s appeal to the FCT administration to facilitate the removal of part of the village for the presidential fleet.

Galadima specified that the demolition would affect roughly 150 to 200 houses and their associated commercial structures.

Concerning compensation, Galadima said, there is ongoing discussions with the Air Force to verify past compensations and initiate further investigations into the recipients and timing of these compensations.

Security concerns were also a factor in the decision, with certain parts of the settlement reportedly housing criminal elements. Galadima stressed the urgency of separating these areas from the Air Force formation hosting the presidential fleet.

The FCTA clarified that only specific areas within the community related to the presidential fleet plot would be affected by the demolition, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to balancing the expansion needs with fairness towards impacted residents.

Further assessments and discussions involving the Department of Resettlement and Compensation, alongside the Nigerian Air Force, are expected to ascertain compensations and address concerns raised by the community.