Demolition Begins In Abuja’s Maitama Over Waterway Encroachment

Demolition of buildings obstructing waterways has commenced in Maitama, Abuja, following a directive by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The exercise began on Tuesday, shortly after Wike announced plans to remove structures built on or blocking designated water channels in the Federal Capital Territory.

Wike had said the government would demolish houses found on waterways between Tuesday and Saturday as part of efforts to tackle flooding and restore the city’s drainage channels.

“Between today and Saturday, the buildings blocking the waterways will be brought down. We will demolish all the houses found on the water channels, and heaven will not fall,” the minister said.

The demolition in Maitama marks the immediate commencement of the enforcement exercise, with authorities expected to extend the operation to other areas identified as having structures obstructing waterways.

The FCT Administration has maintained that structures encroaching on drainage channels and waterways pose a serious threat to flood management and urban planning.

The latest exercise is expected to target buildings and other structures identified by the authorities as obstructing designated water channels in the capital.