In a charged Senate plenary held on May 14, 2025, and aired live by NASSTV, Senate President Godswill Akpabio strongly criticized Senator Peter Nwebonyi of Ebonyi State over his remarks calling for the removal or upgrade of shanty settlements surrounding the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
Senator Nwebonyi had urged the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister to consider relocating or renovating the settlements as part of the upcoming budget. He argued that the makeshift structures lining the airport route created a poor impression on visitors entering Nigeria through the capital. “The habitats around the airport are an eyesore,” Nwebonyi stated, insisting that their presence undermines the country’s global image and prestige.
However, Akpabio was quick to rebuke the suggestion, defending the communities in passionate terms. “That is somebody’s village, and that is what they can afford!” he exclaimed, emphasizing the economic struggles and lived realities of many Nigerians who reside in such areas. His response not only challenged Nwebonyi’s position but also brought attention to the broader tension between aesthetic urban development and the need for humane, inclusive governance.
The exchange has since stirred nationwide discussion, with many Nigerians weighing in on social media and public forums. While some support the need for infrastructural improvements near the airport, others commend Akpabio’s stand as a reminder that urban beautification must not come at the cost of displacing vulnerable citizens.
The incident has reignited long-standing debates about how best to reconcile national image-making with social justice in urban planning policies.