Wike blames Abuja flooding on illegal construction, climate change

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has attributed the recent flooding in Abuja partly to illegal construction on waterways and the effects of climate change.

Wike made the remarks during a media chat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

According to the minister, the recurring flooding in parts of Abuja is linked to the obstruction of waterways by illegal construction.

“The floods in Abuja today are a result of people building on waterways in Abuja illegally over the years,” Wike said.

He disclosed that the FCT Administration had taken action against officials found to have facilitated illegal developments.

“We suspended a director in the FCDA who was illegally giving building approvals to build on waterways,” he said.

Wike, however, said human activities were not the only factor contributing to the flooding, noting that climate change was also responsible.

“Climate change is also responsible for the flooding being experienced recently in Abuja,” he said.

His comments come amid renewed concerns over flooding in parts of the capital following heavy rainfall.