Wike Promises to Demolish Houses Blocking Waterways in Abuja

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said he will demolish houses that block water channels.

Wike spoke on Tuesday during a press conference in Abuja. He said these structures are causing flooding in the city and must be removed to fix the drainage system.

His comments came after heavy rain on Saturday caused flooding in parts of Abuja. Areas like Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent and Lokogoma were affected, with many vehicles submerged.

The flooding confirmed a warning from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET). They had said that the FCT and seven other states are at risk of flash floods.

Some Nigerians criticized Wike after the floods. They accused him of giving land to politicians, who then built houses on waterways.

Wike admitted that some residents, including “senators,” have blocked water channels with their buildings. He said this goes against the Abuja master plan.

“Unfortunately, we have gone there, and we have seen how people have blocked channels,” he said.

He added that earlier warnings about the dangers of blocking waterways should not be mistaken for a lack of consequences.

“I have told people that nothing happened yesterday… does not mean that something will not happen today,” he said. “That it did not happen today does not mean it will not happen tomorrow.”

Wike said the flooding showed how serious the issue is. He urged authorities to act against structures blocking the waterways.

“Now, you have done your own by blocking the water channel, and nothing has happened,” he said. “Thank God the flood has come. You have drawn our attention to the place. Now something will happen.”

Wike promised that any house found on water channels would be demolished.

He said demolitions would start from Tuesday to Saturday. He emphasized that this enforcement would continue, no matter the electoral calendar.

Wike mentioned that some of the houses belong to senators and powerful people. He said he would not let politics affect the planned demolitions.

He made it clear that the demolitions would go on regardless of the political calendar.

“Oh, why is he doing this during the period of election? That is the next campaign you will see now. Stop him. Let us finish election,” he said.

“Whether there’s election, there’s no election, all those houses will go down,” he reaffirmed. “Heaven will not fall. Rather, heaven will get peace that the right thing has been done.”