FCT begins demolition of illegal structures on Abuja waterways

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has begun demolishing mansions and other structures built on designated waterways in Abuja, acting on a directive from FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. The enforcement exercise commenced in the Maitama district on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, a day after the minister ordered the immediate removal of all buildings obstructing stormwater channels.

The demolition followed Wike's inspection of flood-affected areas in the nation's capital, which revealed that numerous properties had been constructed in violation of the Abuja Master Plan. During the inspection, Wike stated that the recent flooding had exposed the extent to which illegal developments had blocked natural water channels. "Unfortunately, we have gone there, and we have seen how people have blocked channels where, in the Master Plan, that is the right way where the water is supposed to be channelled," he said.

Wike declared that the demolition would target all offending structures, regardless of their owners' status or the political calendar. "Some of them are senators. Some of them are big men. Whether there's an election or there's no election, all those houses will go down. Heaven will...