Wike Begins Demolition Of Buildings Over Flooding In Abuja [VIDEO]

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has commenced the demolition of houses and other structures built on designated water channels in Abuja.

The enforcement action began on Tuesday in Maitama after Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike ordered the immediate removal of buildings blocking natural waterways.

Heavy machinery was deployed to pull down the affected properties as officials enforced the directives.

During his inspection of flood-impacted areas in the Maitama District, Wike instructed the FCT Department of Development Control to clear out all obstructions without exception.

“I’m going to bring those structures down. Any house that fell on the water channel will go down. From today till Saturday, if the development control likes to find any excuse to run away, they cannot. Thank God the Director Development Control is here because if you are running away to find excuses, you can’t. We will demolish all those houses found on the water channel,” the minister stated.

Wike emphasized that the clearance exercise would target properties regardless of the owners’ wealth or political standing. “Any house that fell on the water channel will go down… We will demolish all those houses found on the water channel. Some of them are owned by senators and big men… Whether there is election or no election, all those houses will go down. Heaven will not fall; rather, heaven will be at peace that the right thing has been done,” the FCT minister added.

He noted that despite past inaction, the recent floods highlighted the dangers of blocked drainage routes and pushed the administration to correct long-standing master plan violations.

Alongside the demolitions, the administration announced plans to desilt blocked drainages and accelerate critical infrastructure developments, such as the Lokogoma road project, to safeguard the capital.

While acknowledging that climate change and heavy rainfall worsen the situation, Wike pointed out that unauthorized construction, weak regulatory enforcement, and improper waste disposal remain major catalysts for urban flooding.

He also dismissed accusations that the FCTA previously approved land allocations on waterways for private estate developments, stating, “So, I want to categorically deny the claim that this administration allocates water channels for people to develop.”

See video below: