The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ordered the immediate demolition of houses and other structures obstructing waterways in Maitama and other flood-prone areas of Abuja.

Wike gave the directive on Tuesday after inspecting areas affected by flooding in Maitama, one of the districts impacted by the heavy rainfall recorded in the nation’s capital on Saturday.

The minister directed relevant authorities to commence the demolition immediately and continue the exercise until Saturday, stressing that neither political activities nor the status of property owners would prevent enforcement.

The directive followed renewed concerns over flooding in Abuja, with residents and critics blaming blocked waterways, construction on green areas and inadequate drainage infrastructure for worsening the impact of heavy rainfall.

The FCT Administration had, however, defended its handling of the flooding, arguing that the problem predates Wike’s tenure as minister.

In a statement issued on Monday, the administration’s spokesperson, Olayinka, said the heavy downpour on Saturday resulted in temporary flooding in some parts of the capital before the water receded.

Olayinka also criticised activist Deji Adeyanju for allegedly politicising the incident by blaming Wike for the flooding.

He cited previous flooding incidents in Wuse, Jabi and Lokogoma in 2019, as well as Lokogoma, Efab Estate, Gudu and adjoining bridges in 2022, as evidence that flooding was not a new phenomenon in Abuja.

According to him, the rapid expansion of the FCT has placed pressure on existing drainage infrastructure, waste management systems and enforcement of physical planning regulations.

He further identified the removal of drainage covers by scavengers as another factor contributing to flooding, noting that exposed drainage channels often become filled with refuse.

The administration said it was taking steps to address the challenges and prevent future occurrences.