Senator Urges Relocation of Old Buildings Near Abuja Airport, Faces Pushback from Senate President

Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District, has called for the relocation or redevelopment of old buildings in the communities surrounding Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

His proposal was made during the Senate’s plenary session on Thursday and has since gained attention after a video clip of his comments began trending online.

The Deputy Chief Whip argued that the appearance of the area around the airport reflects poorly on the nation’s image and should be included in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike’s ongoing infrastructural upgrades.

“I urge the FCT Minister to include the airport environs in his development plans. As one descends into Abuja, the surrounding structures do not present Nigeria in a good light. Either the residents should be relocated, or the area should be renewed. These buildings are the first impression of our country,” Nwebonyi said.

However, Senate President Godswill Akpabio opposed the idea of displacing communities for the sake of aesthetics. He compared the situation to Akwa Ibom, his home state, noting that natural features like creeks and rivers are part of its landscape.

“Are we to relocate my people just because visitors see creeks while landing in Akwa Ibom?” Akpabio remarked. “That community near the Abuja airport is someone’s village. The nation’s image doesn’t begin from the view out of a plane window.”

Akpabio then put the matter to a voice vote, and the Senate voted against the bill.

Senator Nwebonyi has also recently drawn controversy following a heated exchange during a Senate hearing into sexual misconduct allegations involving Senate President Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

During the session, tensions flared between Nwebonyi and former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili. When Nwebonyi insisted on making his submission, Ezekwesili interjected with, “Can you shut up?”

An incensed Nwebonyi lashed out, saying, “You can never be a senator. You are an insult to womanhood,” sparking further backlash over his remarks.