The Federal Capital Territory Administration has ordered the immediate removal of buildings and other structures erected on designated waterways and flood channels across Abuja as part of intensified measures to address recurring flooding in the nation’s capital.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, issued the directive on Tuesday following an inspection of areas affected by recent flooding in Maitama and other parts of the Federal Capital Territory.
Wike said the enforcement exercise would commence immediately and continue through Saturday, stressing that the administration would not suspend the operation because of political activities, the status of property owners or the length of time the affected structures had existed.
According to the minister, inspections revealed that some property owners had constructed buildings on waterways and drainage corridors reserved under the Abuja Master Plan for the safe movement of stormwater.
“We will pull down every house built on the water channels, regardless of who owns them,” Wike said, adding that some of the affected properties were owned by senators and other influential Nigerians.
Why Abuja’s Flood Risk Is Increasing
The minister attributed the worsening flood situation in parts of Abuja to a combination of heavy rainfall, climate change and human activities that interfere with natural and planned drainage systems.
He identified buildings constructed on waterways, blocked drainage channels, indiscriminate dumping of refuse and inadequate maintenance and desilting of drainage infrastructure among the factors contributing to flooding.
Wike said the inspection showed that some drainage channels provided for in the Abuja Master Plan had been obstructed by developments, preventing stormwater from following its intended routes.
He expressed concern that several of the affected structures had remained in place for between eight and 10 years, suggesting that enforcement of planning regulations had previously been inadequate.
The minister, however, said the current FCT Administration was determined to restore compliance with Abuja’s physical planning laws and protect areas designated for drainage and environmental purposes.
No Exemption for Influential Property Owners
Wike maintained that enforcement would apply equally to all property owners, regardless of their social, political or economic status.
He said the affected locations were not areas occupied by poor residents but had, in many cases, been developed by wealthy Nigerians.
The minister stressed that ownership of expensive property or political influence would not provide protection from enforcement where developments violated approved planning regulations.
His position underscores the administration’s stated objective of ensuring that Abuja’s master plan is respected and that public infrastructure and environmentally sensitive areas are protected from unlawful development.
Demolition to Continue Despite Political Activities
The FCT minister also rejected concerns that the enforcement exercise could be delayed because of the ongoing political season.
He directed the FCT Development Control Department and other relevant agencies to proceed with the exercise without unnecessary delay.
Wike said enforcing planning regulations and protecting residents from preventable flooding should not become a political matter.
He declared that the administration possessed the political will to take difficult decisions where necessary, regardless of the identities of those affected.
Drainage Desilting Ordered
In addition to the demolition of structures obstructing waterways, Wike directed relevant FCT authorities to immediately commence the desilting and clearing of drainage channels identified as contributing to flooding.
The directive is expected to complement the removal of illegal structures by improving the capacity of drainage systems to convey stormwater during periods of intense rainfall.