The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has attributed the approval of some buildings constructed on waterways in Abuja to political interference and failures within the city’s development-control system.
Wike said the affected structures had contributed to flooding in parts of the Federal Capital Territory and violated provisions of the Abuja Master Plan.
Speaking during a media interaction in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the minister said recent flooding in Lugbe and communities around the Abuja airport exposed longstanding breaches of planning regulations.
According to him, several houses were erected along natural water channels, obstructing the free movement of stormwater and increasing the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall.
Wike disclosed that more than 40 houses were affected by flooding in one of the communities inspected by FCT officials.
The minister questioned how structures occupying waterways secured development approvals, noting that some permits may have been obtained through political pressure rather than compliance with proper planning procedures.
He maintained that possessing an approval would not automatically protect a building if the authorisation contradicted the Abuja Master Plan or placed residents and neighbouring communities at risk.
Wike said officials involved in granting questionable approvals should be identified and held accountable alongside developers and property owners who violated land-use regulations.
“Another question is, who approved the building there in the first place?” the minister asked.
He explained that the FCT Administration had identified several locations where buildings were obstructing waterways and would take appropriate enforcement action.
Wike argued that the failure of previous administrations to enforce development regulations did not prevent the current administration from correcting identified violations.
He stressed that planning authorities were responsible for enforcing building regulations, while developers and property owners must ensure that their projects comply with approved land uses and development conditions.
The minister had earlier ordered the demolition of houses and other structures found on designated water channels following an inspection of flood-affected areas in Abuja.
He warned that the exercise would proceed regardless of the social or political status of the property owners.
According to Wike, some of the affected buildings belong to senators and other influential Nigerians. He insisted that political pressure would not be allowed to override public safety or prevent the enforcement of planning laws.
The minister attributed flooding in parts of Abuja to a combination of intense rainfall, climate change and human activities. These include construction on waterways, inadequate drainage maintenance and the indiscriminate disposal of refuse into drainage channels.
He also directed relevant agencies to desilt drainage systems and take steps to prevent further encroachment on natural watercourses, green areas and other protected spaces.
The controversy has renewed questions about accountability within Abuja’s land-administration and development-control processes.
Industry observers have repeatedly argued that enforcement should extend beyond demolishing completed structures. They say authorities must also investigate officials who issued irregular approvals or failed to stop illegal construction at an early stage.
For property buyers and investors, the development highlights the importance of conducting independent title searches, confirming land-use designations and obtaining professional planning advice before purchasing or developing property in the FCT.
Wike maintained that the administration would continue enforcing the Abuja Master Plan to protect lives, property and the orderly development of the nation’s capital.
