Abuja Begins Mass Demolition of Structures on Water Channels After Minister's Order

The Federal Capital Territory Administration in Abuja has commenced a large-scale demolition of houses and structures situated on designated water channels. This action follows a direct order from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who mandated the immediate removal of any obstructions impeding natural waterways.

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I’m going to bring those structures down. Any house that fell on the water channel will go down. From today till Saturday, if the development control likes to find any excuse to run away, they cannot.

During an inspection of flood-affected areas in the Maitama District, Wike issued a stern directive for the demolition of all properties built on natural water passages. He emphasized that the exercise would be carried out without prejudice, targeting properties owned by high-profile individuals, senators, and influential figures. "Any house that fell on the water channel will go down. From today till Saturday, if the development control likes to find any excuse to run away, they cannot," Wike declared.

The minister asserted that the demolition would proceed irrespective of political affiliations or the timing relative to elections. "Whether there is election or no election, all those houses will go down. Heaven will not fall; rather, heaven will be at peace that the right thing has been done," he added, signaling a firm resolve to address long-standing structural violations.

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Any house that fell on the water channel will go down… We will demolish all those houses found on the water channel. Some of them are owned by senators and big men… Whether there is election or no election, all those houses will go down. Heaven will not fall; rather, heaven will be at peace that the right thing has been done.

Wike acknowledged that previous inaction had allowed these violations to persist but stated that the current administration is determined to implement corrective measures. He noted that the recent flooding had highlighted the severity of the issue. Beyond demolitions, the FCT Administration plans to desilt blocked drainages and expedite key infrastructure projects, such as the Lokogoma road, to enhance Abuja's resilience against flooding.

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That nothing happened yesterday does not mean that something will not happen today or tomorrow. Thank God the flood has come; it has drawn our attention to the place, now something will happen.