The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has vowed to enforce the Abuja Master Plan, warning that structures built on water channels, drainage paths and designated green areas will be demolished regardless of the status of their owners.
Wike spoke during an inspection tour of flood-affected areas across the Federal Capital Territory, where he attributed recurring flash floods largely to human activities, including illegal construction, indiscriminate waste disposal and inadequate maintenance of drainage systems.
The minister said some buildings obstructing waterways were owned by wealthy Nigerians, including serving senators, but insisted that political influence would not prevent enforcement.
“I’m going to bring those houses down. Any house found on the water channel will go down,” Wike said.
He dismissed criticism of the FCT Administration’s response to the recent flooding, describing attempts by opposition figures to gain political advantage from the situation as a “futile journey.”
Wike also defended the administration’s performance in the FCT, highlighting the issuance of 26,000 Certificates of Occupancy compared with about 7,000 issued by two previous administrations over 13 years.
According to him, the flooding problem has been worsened by structures erected on drainage routes and undesignated land, poor desilting of waterways and indiscriminate dumping of refuse.
He noted that many of the affected structures were constructed several years ago under previous administrations, which he accused of lacking the political will to enforce the Abuja Master Plan.
Wike also warned against the conversion of designated green areas into commercial facilities, rejecting claims by some property owners that previous land allocations exempted them from enforcement.
He said areas including Lokogoma and the Yakubu Gowon Crescent axis in Asokoro would receive attention as part of efforts to desilt drainage channels and improve infrastructure.
The FCT minister urged residents to support the government’s efforts by disposing of waste responsibly and avoiding activities that obstruct drainage systems.
Wike, however, maintained that the planned demolitions would proceed despite concerns that the exercise could have political implications ahead of the 2027 elections.
