Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District, has urged for the relocation of old buildings surrounding the Abuja International Airport. This appeal was made during a recent plenary session and has since gained significant attention.
Nwebonyi emphasized the need for infrastructural transformation in the airport vicinity, aligning with ongoing development efforts led by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. He stated, “The infrastructure around the airport does not represent a good image of Nigeria. I urge the FCT Minister to include plans for relocating or renovating these buildings in his next budget.”
The senator expressed concern that the current state of the area is an “eyesore” and does not reflect well on the nation. He called for support from his colleagues to pass a bill aimed at improving the surroundings of the airport.
However, Senate President Godswill Akpabio opposed the proposal, arguing that the buildings represent the community’s identity. He compared the view of Abuja to that of his home state, Akwa Ibom, where natural landscapes prevail. Akpabio emphasized, “This community is some people’s village. The image of the nation does not start from where you are descending.”
During the session, Nwebonyi and Akpabio engaged in a heated exchange, particularly following a prior argument involving former Minister Oby Ezekwesili. The discussion highlighted ongoing tensions within the Senate regarding various issues.
Ultimately, the bill proposed by Nwebonyi was put to a voice vote and was rejected by the sitting senators.
This incident underscores the complexities surrounding urban development and community preservation in Nigeria, particularly in areas of national significance like Abuja International Airport.
