Wike Vows to Pull Down Houses Blocking Abuja Drainage Channels

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has ordered the immediate demolition of buildings constructed on designated waterways and drainage channels in Abuja, including properties reportedly owned by senators and other prominent Nigerians.

The directive followed an inspection of flood-prone areas in Maitama Extension, where several buildings were submerged after heavy rainfall. Authorities identified blocked drainage channels and construction along waterways as major factors worsening the flooding.

Wike directed the FCT Development Control Department to begin demolitions immediately and continue the exercise through Saturday.

He said the enforcement would apply regardless of the social or political status of property owners, insisting that no individual would be protected from action for building on designated water channels.

> “Any house that’s found on the water channel will go down,” Wike said.

The minister also ordered the immediate desilting of affected drainage systems and urged residents and traders to stop dumping refuse into waterways.

While acknowledging that climate change and unusually heavy rainfall contributed to the flooding, Wike said human activities, including illegal construction, blocked drains and poor waste disposal, had significantly worsened the situation.

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