Wike Blames Illegal Buildings for Abuja Flooding

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), revealed that the flooding in Abuja is significantly caused by illegal construction on waterways and the impacts of climate change. During a media chat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Wike stated that the obstruction of waterways due to illegal buildings has led to recurring flooding in various parts of Abuja.

He specifically mentioned that the floods are a result of years of illegal construction practices. In response to these issues, Wike disclosed that the FCT Administration has taken measures against officials involved in facilitating illegal developments, including the suspension of a director in the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) who was granting building approvals for constructions on waterways.

Additionally, Wike acknowledged that human activities are not the sole contributors to the flooding, as climate change also plays a significant role. His comments come amid increasing concerns over flooding in the capital following heavy rainfall.