Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that the Federal Capital Territory Administration has suspended a director with the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) over alleged illegal approvals granted for buildings constructed on waterways in Abuja.
Wike said the disciplinary action was part of measures being taken by the FCT Administration to address recurring flooding in the nation’s capital.
The minister made the disclosure on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, during a media chat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
According to Wike, developments constructed on waterways have obstructed natural drainage channels and contributed to flooding in several 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 added that the FCT Administration had 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 minister said.
Wike, however, cautioned against blaming the flooding entirely on illegal construction, noting that changing weather patterns and climate change were also contributing factors.
“Climate change is also responsible for the flooding being experienced recently in Abuja,” he said.
The minister’s remarks come amid growing 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 to improve drainage infrastructure and reduce the risk of flooding across the nation’s capital.
