Abuja Flood: Demolition Will Reach Every Part of FCT — Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that the ongoing demolition of illegal structures built on drainage channels will be extended across every part of the Federal Capital Territory.

Wike made the declaration on Wednesday during a press briefing in Abuja after inspecting several ongoing infrastructure projects across the territory.

The minister said the FCT Administration would not stop the demolition exercise after its initial operations in Maitama, stressing that structures obstructing natural waterways would be removed regardless of who was affected.

“We just started somewhere. After that, we will move to another area. We are not going to end where we started yesterday. We are very serious and I can tell you that we are not going back. It doesn’t matter who is affected,” Wike said.

He defended the exercise against criticism over alleged failure to follow due process, arguing that obstructing drainage channels creates conditions that worsen flooding and threaten public safety.

“You went to block a water channel, is that due process? I’m the one following due process to make sure the right thing is being done,” he said.

According to Wike, removing structures blocking waterways would restore the natural flow of water and reduce the risk of flooding in affected communities.

“By the time we remove those structures that block the water channel, there will be free flow of water to where it is supposed to be,” he added.

Beyond drainage channels, the minister announced an immediate territory-wide ban on the unauthorised conversion of public recreational areas, green spaces and parks into commercial car dealerships and parking lots.

He specifically raised concerns over the increasing use of green areas around the Millennium Park and other designated recreational spaces for vehicle sales.

Wike said the FCT Administration had established a task force to enforce the ban and remove unauthorised automobile dealers operating within green areas.

“You can imagine, everywhere you have green areas, you have carports now. So, I’ve already stopped it, and I’ve set up a task force to make sure that every car dealer is moved out of the green areas,” he said.

The minister maintained that individuals seeking to operate car dealerships should acquire and develop appropriate commercial properties rather than occupying spaces designated for recreation or environmental purposes.

He also disclosed that the FCT Head of Service, Nancy Sabanti Nathan, had summoned relevant directors for questioning over alleged illegal approvals granted to car dealers operating in restricted areas.

Those summoned include officials overseeing Parks and Recreation, Environmental Protection, Traffic Management, and Urban and Regional Planning.

Wike said the administration would intensify enforcement to restore designated green areas and prevent further unauthorised development.

Meanwhile, the minister expressed satisfaction with the progress of several infrastructure projects inspected during his tour.

The projects include the extension of the access road from Tungan Madaki community near the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to Zuba, the road extension from the Body of Benchers to Ring Road III, and the dualisation of the access road serving Nile University and Baze University in the Institutions and Research District.

Wike said the quality and pace of work on the projects were encouraging, assuring residents that the administration would continue to prioritise infrastructure development alongside measures aimed at improving environmental compliance and flood management across the FCT.