FCT Minister Nyesom Wike says the FCDA director was suspended for allegedly approving illegal buildings on Abuja waterways as the administration intensifies its crackdown on unlawful developments.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that a director of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) has been suspended for allegedly granting illegal building approvals for developments on waterways in Abuja.
Wike made the disclosure on Wednesday while addressing concerns over flooding and illegal developments in the nation’s capital.
According to the minister, the official was suspended in line with civil service rules after allegedly approving buildings on waterways, which he said contributed to the obstruction of natural drainage channels and increased the risk of flooding.
Wike said the FCT Administration would not tolerate actions by officials that undermine the Abuja Master Plan or facilitate illegal developments.
He also disclosed that another official had been sanctioned for allegedly reallocating park lands under the guise of clearing them for security purposes.
The minister attributed the worsening flooding situation in parts of Abuja to years of illegal construction along waterways and floodplains, alongside the impact of climate change and increasingly heavy rainfall.
Following recent flooding in areas including Airport Road and Lokogoma, the FCT Administration has intensified inspections and assessments of affected communities.
Wike warned that structures found to be obstructing waterways or violating the Abuja Master Plan would face appropriate action, regardless of whether approvals had been obtained.
He stressed that the FCT Administration would continue to enforce planning regulations and hold officials accountable where approvals are found to have been issued illegally.
