Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended the ongoing demolition of structures obstructing waterways in Abuja, insisting that the affected property owners acted outside the law.
Wike spoke on Wednesday while responding to criticism surrounding the demolition exercise, which began after his inspection of flood-prone areas in Maitama on Tuesday.
The minister was questioned about concerns raised on social media over whether the FCT Administration followed due process before removing the affected structures.
Wike dismissed the criticism, questioning whether constructing structures that block designated waterways could itself be considered lawful.
“What is due process? You went to block a water channel, is that due process?” he asked.
He maintained that the FCT Administration was the one following due process by removing structures that obstruct waterways and expose residents to flooding risks.
“I am the one following due process to make sure the right thing is being done,” Wike said.
The minister also revealed that the demolition exercise would not be limited to Maitama. According to him, enforcement will continue in other parts of Abuja where buildings and other structures have encroached on drainage channels and waterways.
“We have just started somewhere. After that, we move to another area. We are not going to end just with what we started yesterday,” he said.
Wike said clearing the obstructions would allow water to flow freely through designated channels and help reduce the risk of flooding in affected communities.
He stressed that the responsibility of the FCT Administration is to protect the wider public, particularly where private developments interfere with waterways and increase the danger posed by heavy rainfall.
The development follows renewed concerns over flooding in Abuja after heavy rainfall affected several parts of the Federal Capital Territory over the weekend, including Maitama, Lokogoma and Wuse.
In recent weeks, the FCT Administration has intensified enforcement against structures encroaching on waterways, drainage corridors and other areas considered important for flood management.
The demolition exercise also forms part of wider efforts to enforce the FCT master plan, improve drainage infrastructure and strengthen flood-control measures across Abuja.
