The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has expanded its crackdown on buildings and other structures obstructing waterways, drainage channels and approved development corridors in Abuja, following recent flooding that exposed weaknesses in parts of the capital’s drainage system.
The latest enforcement drive intensified on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, when FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike ordered the immediate demolition of structures identified as blocking designated waterways in Maitama and other parts of Abuja.
Wike gave the directive after inspecting areas affected by flooding following heavy rainfall in the capital. He said the inspection revealed that some property owners had constructed buildings across channels reserved in the Abuja Master Plan for the movement of stormwater.
According to the minister, the exercise would not be restricted to a particular neighbourhood or influenced by the identity or status of property owners. He specifically stated that some of the affected properties belonged to wealthy Nigerians, including politicians.
Kristina Reports learnt that demolition operations began in Maitama shortly after the minister’s directive, with the FCT Department of Development Control deployed to identify and remove structures obstructing natural water channels.
Wike also rejected suggestions that the enforcement was politically motivated, insisting that the government would continue with the exercise regardless of the approaching election season.
He said structures built on waterways pose a danger to residents because they prevent rainwater from following designated drainage routes, thereby increasing the risk of flooding.
Crackdown To Extend Across Abuja
The minister subsequently disclosed on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, that the demolition exercise would extend to other parts of the Federal Capital Territory.
Wike said the administration had only started the clearance and would move into other locations where structures were found to violate planning regulations or obstruct water flow.
Beyond waterways, the FCTA is also targeting developments that encroach on infrastructure corridors. On Thursday, August 20, Wike ordered the removal of about 30 buildings reportedly standing within the Right of Way of the Ring Road 3 corridor linking Karsana, Gwarinpa and the Kubwa axis.
The minister has also moved against the unauthorised conversion of public green areas and recreational spaces into commercial locations, particularly car sales and parking areas.
The FCTA says the wider enforcement is intended to restore compliance with the Abuja Master Plan, protect waterways, improve public safety and prevent avoidable flooding.
However, the demolition campaign has continued to attract scrutiny over the enforcement of planning regulations, particularly questions surrounding how structures that allegedly violate approved layouts were allowed to remain for years.
Wike has maintained that the government must correct existing violations rather than allow them to continue simply because they have existed for a long period.
For Abuja residents, the immediate concern remains whether the enforcement will produce lasting improvements in drainage and flood management, rather than simply remove individual structures after flooding has occurred.
The FCTA has therefore linked the current exercise to a broader effort to restore Abuja’s planned development structure and ensure that buildings, roads, drainage channels and public spaces are used for their designated purposes.
