Political Influence Behind Illegal Abuja Buildings – Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has blamed political influence for the approval of some buildings constructed on waterways in Abuja.

According to him, the practice has contributed to flooding in parts of the nation’s capital.

Speaking on Wednesday during a media chat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Wike said recent flooding in areas including Lugbe and communities around the Abuja airport had exposed long-standing violations of the Abuja Master Plan.

He said buildings erected on natural water channels would face enforcement, adding that officials who approved such developments must also be held accountable.

“It’s not about what happened yesterday, whether that was a result of the blocking of the channels of water. But I know Lugbe. We had houses blocking natural channels of water,” Wike said.

He said the FCT Administration had identified locations where structures obstruct waterways and would take steps to address the problem.

According to him, more than 40 houses were affected by flooding in one of the communities visited by officials.

Wike questioned how buildings on waterways received development approvals in the first place.

“Another question is, who approved the building there in the first place?” he asked.

The minister said some approvals were obtained through political influence rather than proper planning procedures, arguing that such approvals do not override the Abuja Master Plan.

“I’m not saying there’s no approval. I agree. What I’m saying is that sometimes it’s under influence,” he said.

He said planning authorities must enforce existing regulations, while developers and property owners also have a responsibility to comply with approved land-use plans.

Wike added that previous failures to enforce planning laws would not stop the current administration from acting against illegal developments.

“The fact that the government did not implement does not mean that another government that comes will not implement,” he said.

Wike Defends FCT Project Delivery

Wike also rejected claims that projects awarded under the current administration had been abandoned.

He said the FCT Administration inherited projects from previous governments and had completed most of them.

According to him, 107 capital projects were awarded under the current administration, with 76 already completed. He added that 10 more projects were expected to be completed before the 2027 general election.

“We inherited from Obasanjo’s administration 25 projects. We have completed 23 projects. Two are ongoing,” he said.

He argued that projects still under construction should not be described as abandoned and challenged critics to compare the administration’s project record with those of previous governments.

“For the first time in the history of that city, no administration since 1939 has been able to award that number of projects and complete that percentage of projects,” he said.

Says Rivers Visit Not a Relocation

Responding to questions about his presence in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections, Wike dismissed suggestions that he was relocating from Abuja.

He said he returned to Rivers to engage with residents and monitor political developments firsthand.

“It’s not about relocating, it’s about coming home. To live with your people and talk to them,” he said.

Wike said his political activities would continue alongside his duties as FCT minister.

“I’m the general commander of the political infantry,” Wike said.

Wike Explains NBA Conference Boycott

Wike also defended his decision to skip the recent Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) conference, describing the event as poorly organised.

He accused the association’s leadership of allowing individuals he described as “traitors” to lead the organisation.

“I don’t pretend. I don’t attend something as a jamboree. I don’t attend something that traitors are in charge,” Wike said.

Asked whether he was referring to the NBA leadership, he answered in the affirmative.

He also questioned the association’s decision to provide a platform for individuals he alleged had acted against the rule of law, citing the alleged closure and obstruction of a court in Rivers State.

Wike said political and professional organisations should be guided by principles and accountability.