The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has disclosed the suspension of a director with the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) over alleged illegal approvals for buildings constructed on waterways in Abuja.
Wike said the disciplinary action formed part of measures by the FCT Administration to tackle recurring flooding in the nation’s capital, which he attributed to years of construction on waterways as well as the effects of climate change.
The minister made the disclosure on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, during a media chat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
According to Wike, developments erected on waterways have obstructed natural drainage channels, contributing to the flooding recorded in parts of Abuja following heavy rainfall.
“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 also taken disciplinary action against an official allegedly involved in approving such developments.
“We suspended a director in the FCDA according to the Civil Service rule who was illegally giving building approvals to build on waterways,” the FCT Minister said.
Wike, however, cautioned against attributing the flooding entirely to illegal construction, noting that changing weather patterns had also played a role.
“Climate change is also responsible for the flooding being experienced recently in Abuja,” he said.
The minister’s comments come amid heightened concerns over flooding in parts of the FCT following episodes of heavy rainfall.
The FCT Administration has intensified efforts to remove illegal structures and developments obstructing waterways and drainage channels, as part of measures aimed at improving drainage and reducing the risk of flooding across the capital.
