Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that the FCT Administration has sanctioned officials allegedly involved in approving illegal buildings on waterways as part of measures to tackle recurring flooding in Abuja.
Wike specifically revealed that a director in the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) was suspended for allegedly granting building approvals for developments on waterways.
The minister made the disclosure during a media chat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, while explaining the measures being taken by the FCT Administration to address flooding in the nation’s capital.
According to him, illegal construction on waterways over the years has obstructed natural drainage channels and worsened flooding in parts of Abuja.
“We suspended a director in the FCDA who was illegally giving building approvals to build on waterways,” Wike said.
He warned that allowing buildings and other structures on waterways would continue to expose residents to the risk of flooding, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
“The floods in Abuja today are a result of people building on waterways in Abuja illegally over the years,” the minister stated.
Wike, however, said the recent flooding could not be blamed entirely on human activities, noting that climate change was also contributing to the problem.
“Climate change is also responsible for the flooding being experienced recently in Abuja,” he said.
The minister said the FCT Administration would continue to enforce planning regulations and take action against officials and developers whose activities violate approved land-use and environmental regulations.
His comments came amid renewed concerns over flooding in parts of Abuja following heavy rainfall, with the FCT Administration stepping up efforts to protect waterways and improve flood-control measures across the territory.
