Demolition crews moved into Maitama, one of Abuja’s most exclusive districts, this week after the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, ordered the removal of buildings blocking waterways in the wake of severe flooding that swept through the capital over the weekend.
Wike gave the order Tuesday after touring flood-hit areas, saying inspections had found that structures built on designated drainage channels under the Abuja Master Plan were worsening the flooding. He directed the FCT Department of Development Control to begin enforcement immediately, with the exercise to run through Saturday.
The minister said the exercise would not spare influential property owners, including senators, several of whom own homes in the affected areas. He dismissed any suggestion that political considerations, including Nigeria’s election calendar, would slow the demolitions.
Wike attributed the flooding to a combination of unusually heavy rainfall linked to climate change and man-made factors, including illegal construction on waterways, blocked drainage channels and indiscriminate dumping of refuse. He also ordered agencies to step up desilting of drains and restoration of blocked channels across the city.
The flooding left residents stranded and submerged vehicles in several parts of Abuja, renewing public criticism of the territory’s drainage infrastructure. Demolition has already begun in Maitama, with authorities expected to widen the exercise to other flood-prone districts before the weekend deadline.
Questions remain over compensation for affected property owners, the notice procedures followed, and whether the enforcement will be sustained once the immediate flooding crisis passes.
