The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that all buildings constructed on water channels in Abuja will be demolished, regardless of who owns them. This decisive action follows recent flooding in the area.
Wike emphasized that the demolitions would start immediately and would include properties owned by prominent individuals, including current lawmakers. He stated, “I am going to bring those houses down. Any house that is found on the channel—water channel will go down.” The minister warned the Development Control department officials to avoid any attempts to protect violators and indicated that the demolitions would extend throughout the week.
In his remarks, Wike acknowledged the potential political fallout from his actions, especially as the election season heats up, stating that he is prepared for criticisms that may arise. He noted the long-standing nature of these structures, asserting that they have existed for many years under previous administrations.
Wike highlighted that the flooding problems are exacerbated by both natural events, as indicated by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, and human actions, including illegal construction, blocked water channels, and inadequate drainage maintenance. He mentioned that the issue of converting green spaces into parks is another significant concern that his administration will no longer tolerate.
Despite facing criticism, Wike highlighted his administration’s achievements over the past three years, which include issuing 26,000 Certificates of Occupancy—a stark contrast to the 7,000 issued by prior governments over a 13-year span. He expressed gratitude towards residents who have genuinely reported flooding issues, differentiating them from others he accused of politicizing the situation.
Wike reiterated his commitment to tackling flood-related challenges in Abuja, asserting that his focus remains on protecting the city’s residents from the consequences of illegal construction and poor management of environmental factors.
