- Wike has ordered the removal of buildings blocking Abuja waterways
- The demolition began in Maitama after recent flooding
- The FCT says the move is aimed at improving flood control
The Federal Capital Territory Administration has begun pulling down buildings and other structures erected along designated waterways in Abuja as part of a renewed effort to tackle flooding in the nation’s capital.
The enforcement operation started on Tuesday in Maitama, following an order by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for the immediate clearance of structures blocking natural drainage routes and flood channels.
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Heavy-duty equipment was deployed to the affected areas, where officials began removing structures identified as obstructing the movement of stormwater.
Wike issued the directive after inspecting areas affected by flooding in Maitama District. He instructed the Department of Development Control to locate buildings constructed on waterways and ensure their removal.
The minister said the enforcement would apply to all property owners, regardless of their political influence, social standing or connections.
Wike maintained that structures sitting directly on natural water channels posed a serious risk to residents and could worsen flooding whenever heavy rainfall occurs.
He said officials would have no justification for delaying enforcement and directed the development control authorities to continue the exercise across affected parts of the FCT.
According to the minister, some of the properties affected by the exercise belong to prominent individuals, including serving and former politicians, but their ownership would not prevent demolition where violations were established.
He stressed that the administration would proceed with the exercise regardless of the political climate, insisting that public safety must take priority.
The minister said recent flooding had exposed the consequences of allowing construction to take place along routes originally reserved for water movement.
He explained that some developers had blocked waterways because flooding had not occurred in the past, warning that previous dry conditions could not be used as justification for occupying drainage routes.
Wike said the recent flooding had provided a clear indication that such areas needed to be restored to their intended purpose.
The FCT Administration also plans to clear and deepen blocked drainage channels in communities affected by flooding. According to the minister, the exercise will form part of broader measures aimed at improving Abuja’s ability to cope with heavy rainfall.
He further disclosed that infrastructure projects, including the Lokogoma road project, would be accelerated as the administration works to improve drainage and transportation infrastructure.
While acknowledging that climate change and intense rainfall contribute to flooding, Wike identified human activities as another major factor.
He listed unauthorised construction on drainage routes, weak compliance with building regulations and improper disposal of refuse among the problems worsening flooding in the capital.
The minister appealed to residents to cooperate with the government by avoiding activities that could block drainage systems. He particularly urged residents to dispose of waste properly to prevent rubbish from accumulating in manholes and waterways.
Wike also rejected allegations that the FCT Administration had deliberately allocated land located on waterways for estate development.
He challenged those making the allegation to provide specific details of any property allegedly allocated for development on a designated water channel.
The minister said the FCT authorities were guided by the capital’s master plan and disputed claims that officials could not distinguish between areas meant for construction and those reserved for water passage.
He maintained that government officials responsible for land administration and development control were aware of the locations of designated waterways.
Wike insisted that the current enforcement operation was aimed at correcting existing planning violations and protecting Abuja residents from the dangers associated with flooding.
The demolition exercise is expected to continue as the FCT Administration intensifies efforts to restore blocked waterways and enforce development regulations across the capital.
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