Wike Inspects Flooded Abuja Areas, Finds Illegal Structure

On Tuesday morning, Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, conducted an inspection of flooded areas in Maitama, Abuja, following heavy rainfall over the weekend. During his visit, he identified an illegal structure built on a drainage channel that had been revoked in 2011.

Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant to the minister on Public Communications and Social Media, shared video footage of the inspection, highlighting a sign indicating the plot's revocation due to overriding public interest. The inspection was prompted by public debates regarding the causes of flooding in Abuja, with residents citing blocked waterways and inadequate drainage as significant issues.

Olayinka defended the FCT Administration, attributing flooding to rapid urban expansion and the removal of drainage covers by scavengers. He stated that the administration is reviewing the 1979 Abuja Master Plan to address current challenges and is implementing measures to improve drainage infrastructure.