The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered the demolition of houses built on drainage channels in Abuja, warning that no property owner will be spared in the enforcement.
Wike announced the decision during a press briefing on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, following recent flooding in parts of the Federal Capital Territory.
According to Channels Television, the minister said the flooding had exposed the consequences of developments obstructing designated waterways and drainage channels.
He said the affected properties include those belonging to wealthy Nigerians and prominent individuals, dismissing suggestions that the enforcement would target ordinary residents.
The FCT Administration has identified buildings obstructing waterways and plans to commence demolitions between Tuesday and Saturday.
Wike also rejected claims that the exercise was politically motivated because of the approaching elections.
“Election or not,” the minister said, the government would demolish houses obstructing waterways because “the right thing has to be done.”
He maintained that political considerations would not prevent the government from enforcing Abuja’s master plan and addressing structures contributing to flooding.