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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration has begun demolishing buildings and other structures obstructing waterways and green areas in Abuja following recent flooding that affected parts of the nation's capital.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike directed that all illegal structures built on designated water channels be pulled down, insisting that no property owner, regardless of status, would be spared.
The demolition exercise comes days after heavy rainfall submerged homes, businesses and vehicles in parts of Abuja, including the upscale Maitama District.
Speaking during an inspection, Wike said the administration would strictly enforce planning regulations to restore natural waterways and reduce the risk of future flooding.
He maintained that many of the affected structures belonged to wealthy Nigerians and had existed for several years, stressing that political influence or social status would not stop the exercise.
The minister also condemned the conversion of green areas into residential and commercial developments, describing the practice as a major threat to Abuja's environment and urban planning.
Residents of Goalview Estate and other parts of Maitama had blamed the recent flooding on indiscriminate construction along drainage corridors and the obstruction of canals.
Some residents alleged that a major drainage channel in the area had been partially covered to make way for construction, worsening the flooding experienced during the recent downpour. The allegation could not be independently verified.
The demolition exercise, however, drew criticism from affected business owners and property occupants, who claimed they were not given adequate notice before their buildings were pulled down.
Some said officials had initially promised them time to remove their belongings before the demolition commenced, only for the exercise to begin unexpectedly.
Business owner Mustafa Onimisi described the exercise as harsh, urging the FCT Administration to adopt a more humane approach and engage those affected before carrying out demolitions.
Officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) also demolished parts of a property on Mississippi Street in Maitama, including its perimeter fence and sections of a gym facility.
Experts have also raised concerns over increasing encroachment on Abuja's green areas and drainage corridors, warning that continued violations of the city's master plan could worsen flooding.
Real estate and urban planning professionals said several parks, conservation zones and designated waterways in districts such as Maitama, Guzape, Wuse and the Central Business District had been converted to residential and commercial developments.
They urged the FCT Administration to not only remove illegal structures but also investigate how approvals were granted for developments in environmentally sensitive areas.
Former Abuja Metropolitan Management Council Coordinator, Umar Shuaibu, described the demolition order as overdue, arguing that authorities should have acted earlier after weather forecasts warned of possible flooding.
He called for a comprehensive review of land allocations, revocation of illegal titles and sanctions against officials who approved developments on waterways and green areas.
The experts maintained that restoring Abuja's master plan and protecting drainage corridors remain critical to preventing recurring floods and safeguarding lives and property.
