The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said the ongoing demolition of structures obstructing drainage channels in Abuja will be extended to other parts of the nation’s capital.

Wike said the exercise, which began in Maitama District on Tuesday, would continue across the Federal Capital Territory as part of efforts to address flooding, restore drainage channels and enforce the Abuja Master Plan.

The minister made this known on Wednesday while speaking after inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja.

In a statement issued by Rabi Umar, Deputy Director, Press, in the Office of the FCT Minister, Wike said the administration would not stop the demolition regardless of the individuals or interests affected.

He said the operation had only begun in Maitama and would subsequently move to other parts of the territory.

“We just started somewhere. After that, we will move to another area. We are not going to end where we started yesterday. We are very serious and I can tell you that we are not going back. It doesn’t matter who is affected,” he said.

Wike questioned the legality of constructing structures on drainage channels, arguing that such developments contributed to flooding and obstructed the natural flow of water.

“You went to block a water channel, is that due process? I’m the one following due process to make sure the right thing is being done,” he said.

According to him, clearing the obstructions would allow water to flow freely through designated channels and help reduce the risk of flooding across the capital.

“By the time we remove those structures that block the water channel, there will be free flow of water to where it is supposed to be,” he added.

FCT bans conversion of green areas
The minister also announced a ban on the unauthorised conversion of green areas, parks and recreational spaces in Abuja into car dealerships and parking lots.

Wike said the FCT Administration had established a task force to remove car dealers operating in designated green areas, including locations around the Millennium Park.

He expressed concern over the increasing use of public green spaces for commercial purposes, saying such activities were inconsistent with the Abuja Master Plan.

“You can imagine, everywhere you have green areas, you have carports now. So, I’ve already stopped it, and I’ve set up a task force to make sure that every car dealer is moved out of the green areas,” he said.

Wike further disclosed that the FCT Head of Service, Nancy Nathan, had summoned relevant directors to explain how approvals were granted for car dealers to operate in areas designated as green spaces.

The minister said the administration would investigate the approvals and take steps to restore such locations to their intended purposes.

Wike commends contractors

Wike also expressed satisfaction with the progress of several road and infrastructure projects inspected during his tour of the territory.

He specifically commended the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for continuing work on its projects despite receiving less than 30 per cent of its mobilisation funding.

According to him, the continued progress on the projects demonstrated the commitment of contractors working with the FCT Administration to deliver critical infrastructure.

Wike said the administration was targeting the completion and commissioning of at least 10 major infrastructure projects across the FCT before the end of the year.

He said the projects, when completed, would contribute to improving transportation, drainage and other critical infrastructure in Abuja.

The demolition exercise and enforcement measures are part of the FCT.

Administration’s broader efforts to restore compliance with the Abuja Master Plan and address developments considered to be obstructing public infrastructure and the orderly growth of the capital.