By SUNTV Global Channel
August 18, 2026
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ordered the immediate demolition of buildings found obstructing waterways and drainage channels across Abuja.
Wike issued the directive on Tuesday while inspecting areas affected by flooding following heavy rainfall in the nation’s capital.
According to the minister, the FCT Administration has identified properties allegedly constructed on designated water channels and drainage routes. He warned that the enforcement exercise would proceed regardless of the status, political connections or influence of the property owners.
Wike said some individuals deliberately blocked waterways because they believed their positions or connections would protect them from government action.
“Now you have done your own by blocking the water channel and nothing has happened, thank God the flood has come, you have drawn our attention to the place, now something will happen,” Wike said.
The FCT minister announced that structures found directly on water channels would be pulled down between Tuesday and Saturday.
“I am going to bring those houses down. Any house that is found on the water channel will go down from today to Saturday,” he declared.
Wike further alleged that some of the properties affected belong to serving senators and other influential individuals, insisting that political status would not prevent enforcement.
“Some of them are senators, some of them are big men,” he said.
The minister also dismissed concerns that the demolition exercise could become politically controversial as the country approaches another election period.
He maintained that the government would continue enforcing the Abuja master plan and removing structures obstructing waterways, regardless of political pressure.
The announcement comes amid renewed concerns over flooding in several parts of Abuja after heavy rainfall. The FCT Administration is under increasing pressure to address drainage blockages and developments allegedly built along designated waterways.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor the demolition exercise and developments surrounding the Abuja flooding situation.
