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 on Wednesday during a media chat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, amid renewed concerns over flooding in parts of the nation’s capital following heavy rainfall.
According to the FCT minister, the recurring flooding in some parts of Abuja is largely linked to the obstruction of natural waterways by illegal developments.
“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 disciplinary action against officials allegedly involved in facilitating illegal construction in areas designated as waterways.
“We suspended a director in the FCDA who was illegally giving building approvals to build on waterways,” he said.
Wike, however, noted that illegal construction was not the only factor responsible for the recent flooding, pointing to climate change as another contributing factor.
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“Climate change is also responsible for the flooding being experienced recently in Abuja,” he said.
The minister’s comments come as residents in parts of Abuja continue to express concerns over the impact of heavy rainfall and flooding on homes, roads and other infrastructure.
Wike has previously maintained that the FCT Administration would take steps to enforce development regulations and prevent unauthorised construction in areas considered environmentally sensitive.
The latest warning highlights the need for stricter enforcement of planning regulations, particularly around waterways and drainage channels, as authorities seek to reduce the impact of flooding in the capital.