Nyesom Wike
Abuja, August 18, 2026 – Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike on Tuesday vowed to demolish all buildings obstructing waterways in Abuja between today and Saturday, declaring that the exercise would proceed regardless of the status of the owners.
Speaking at his office after inspecting flooded areas in parts of the FCT, particularly Maitama, following heavy weekend rainfall, Wike stated: “Between today and Saturday, the buildings blocking the waterways in Abuja will be brought down. Some of them are owned by Senators and big men. We will demolish all the houses found on the water channels, and heaven will not fall.”
The minister’s remarks came amid growing concerns over flooding in sections of the capital after torrential rains. During his on-site inspection earlier in the day, Wike and officials examined drainage channels where structures had been erected, including a plot designated as a drainage area that was revoked in 2011 due to overriding public interest. A sign at one location warned: “DRAINAGE AREA KEEP OFF! NOTE – PLOT 4508 A06 REVOKED (22/12/2011) DUE TO OVERRIDING PUBLIC INTEREST. F.C.T.”
Residents and observers have attributed the flooding— which disrupted movement and affected residential and commercial areas including Maitama—to blocked waterways, constructions on green areas and drainage channels, and inadequate drainage infrastructure. Wike’s directive targets structures found on water channels as part of efforts to restore proper drainage and mitigate future flooding risks.
The minister emphasised that the demolitions would not spare high-profile owners, underscoring the administration’s commitment to enforcing the Abuja Master Plan and protecting public infrastructure. Reports indicated that demolition operations had already commenced in Maitama following the directive.
Wike’s announcement aligns with ongoing enforcement actions by the Federal Capital Territory Administration against illegal developments. Flooding concerns have drawn public attention and comments from stakeholders, including the FCT Senator, who previously raised issues about blocked drainage channels and developments in flood-prone areas.
The exercise is expected to continue through Saturday as authorities move to clear obstructed waterways across affected parts of the FCT.
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