A recent proposal by Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi to demolish indigenous settlements near the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja has sparked intense controversy. The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has strongly condemned the proposal, labeling it a “dangerous threat” to marginalized communities and a clear violation of human rights. According to CHRICED, the senator’s plan would displace Abuja’s original inhabitants and exacerbate Nigeria’s ongoing housing crisis.
Senator Nwebonyi presented his proposal on May 14, 2025, calling for the removal of what he termed “eyesores” along the airport road to improve Nigeria’s image before international visitors. However, CHRICED described this justification as a “blatant disregard” for the rights and welfare of citizens who have lived on the land for generations. Comrade Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, Executive Director of CHRICED, emphasized that these settlements represent ancestral lands and cultural heritage, not mere encroachments.
The affected communities are primarily home to low-income earners and descendants of Abuja’s indigenous people, who have historically faced systemic neglect and exclusion from development planning. Despite the Senate’s rejection of Senator Nwebonyi’s proposal, CHRICED remains concerned about the continued threat to informal settlements. This concern is heightened by comments from Senator Adamu Aliero, who noted that the lands in question have been allocated for development, revealing the precarious situation of these communities and the likelihood of continued displacement.
CHRICED warned that forced evictions would violate both national and international laws, including Section 43 of the Nigerian Constitution and the United Nations International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The organization called on the Senate to pass a binding resolution directing the FCT Administration to halt all planned demolitions and conduct a comprehensive human rights review of any future development plans. CHRICED emphasized that urban development should be rooted in fairness, justice, and inclusivity, rather than the erasure of the poor.
The group also urged the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that any future relocation efforts follow due process, including prior notification, fair compensation, and adequate alternative housing. Furthermore, CHRICED appealed to the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) to intervene and called on civil society organizations and the international community to help protect Abuja’s Original Inhabitants from displacement. By reaffirming its commitment to defending the rights of vulnerable populations, CHRICED underscored the importance of promoting policies that preserve the dignity of all Nigerians.