Flooding in parts of Abuja has renewed concerns about construction around waterways, green areas and drainage corridors in the Federal Capital Territory.

Several properties in Maitama Extension were affected after heavy rainfall over the weekend. Residents linked the flooding to blocked drainage channels and construction around natural water routes.

Properties affected reportedly included residences linked to Kano State Deputy Governor, Murtala Garo, and former Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase.

The flooding followed heavy rainfall that also disrupted movement across several parts of Abuja. Wuse 1, Wuse 2, Durumi, Gaduwa and Gudu were among the areas affected.

Motorists became stranded on flooded roads, while some vehicles reportedly developed faults after remaining in standing water for hours. Some businesses and residential properties also experienced disruption.

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Maitama Extension residents raise concerns

Residents in Maitama Extension said flooding was particularly severe around some lower-lying properties.

One estate in the area reportedly brought in engineers to help remove floodwater. By the following evening, much of the water had gone down, but signs of the flooding remained.

Residents also raised concerns about construction close to waterways. They said blocked drainage channels, waste and changes to natural water routes may have worsened the impact of the rainfall.

A bridge near the estate was also reportedly submerged during the downpour. The water later receded towards a nearby pond and gully.

Another resident, Shamsudeen Karaye, said some streets in downtown Maitama became difficult to use during the rainfall. He said residents switched from smaller cars to SUVs to reduce the risk of getting trapped.

Concerns have also emerged over a large building under construction near Golfview Estate. Residents alleged that the development sits close to a waterway.

Another source alleged that about 20 duplexes are under construction on a designated green area in Maitama Extension. The source also claimed that developers were seeking to convert part of a canal into an access road.

The allegations have raised questions about development control and compliance with Abuja’s planning framework. The source questioned how such developments could receive approval if they affect green areas or natural drainage routes.

HDAN calls for development audit

The Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN) has called for a review of developments around waterways and green areas across Abuja.

Its Executive Director, Barr. Festus Adebayo, said the recent flooding should prompt authorities to examine how rapid development affects drainage and stormwater management.

Adebayo said some affected properties in Maitama and Wuse are high-value homes and commercial properties. He argued that the flooding shows the risks that can arise when urban development does not keep pace with drainage and environmental planning.

He said Abuja’s original planning framework includes waterways, floodplains, drainage corridors and green areas as important parts of the city’s infrastructure.

HDAN wants the Federal Capital Territory Administration to conduct a comprehensive audit of developments around flood-prone areas, drainage routes and designated green spaces.

The group also wants authorities to examine approvals for projects that may have blocked natural water channels or changed existing drainage patterns.

Flooding creates wider housing risks

The debate has implications for Abuja’s housing and real estate market. Properties built in areas with poor drainage or altered water channels may face higher exposure to flood damage.

Flooding can also disrupt roads and access routes. This affects residents, businesses, emergency services and property values.

HDAN said Abuja also needs a wider stormwater management plan. Such a plan should combine drainage maintenance, stronger development control, environmental protection and better urban planning.

The organisation called for stronger protection of waterways and floodplains. It also urged authorities to preserve green areas, maintain drainage systems and investigate questionable approvals.

HDAN further called for tougher enforcement against indiscriminate waste disposal, which can block drainage channels.

The flooding has therefore placed renewed attention on how Abuja manages land, construction and infrastructure as the city expands. Effective development control, protection of natural drainage routes and adequate stormwater infrastructure will remain important to protecting homes, businesses and long-term investment in the capital.

The post Abuja Flooding Raises Fresh Concerns Over Green Areas and Waterways appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Lagos State Government has demolished 17 houses built on the right-of-way of the Ikota River in Lekki, warning residents against unlawful reclamation of wetlands and obstruction of natural waterways.

Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who led an enforcement team to the site on Saturday, said the exercise followed repeated reports of illegal developments along the river alignment. He explained that the state had earlier halted the activity, but the encroachment resumed aggressively, with attempts to sell land to unsuspecting buyers.

Wahab said the government had now taken decisive steps to clear all illegal structures and prosecute offenders, stressing that such violations worsen flooding across the state. He noted that while flooding cannot be completely prevented in a coastal city like Lagos, the government continues to invest in infrastructure to mitigate its impact through resilient drainage systems, which Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has consistently maintained.

The commissioner cited property number 156, which blocked a major drainage path, adding that it would be cleared to restore the free flow of water into the Lagos Lagoon. He added that despite the government’s daily efforts to desilt and maintain drains, some individuals persist in obstructing waterways for personal gain.

Wahab said demolition was not always the first option, as developers were sometimes asked to provide practical designs for stormwater discharge at their own cost. He described it as irresponsible for the government to spend public funds correcting problems created by private developers who profit from violating environmental regulations.

During an inspection of the Lekki–Epe corridor, Wahab lamented the massive encroachment on wetlands originally designed to absorb excess rainwater. He said drone surveillance revealed extensive damage, including the destruction of coconut trees planted to stabilise the soil.

According to him, violators were issued demolition notices on September 26 ahead of planned transport infrastructure works in the area. He explained that the inspection was intended to align environmental preservation with the Ministry of Transport’s Green Line Rail project.

Commissioner for Transport, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said the Green Line Rail, which will run from Marina to Epe, is expected to commence in December after stakeholder consultations and feasibility studies. He noted that some car dealers who were granted temporary approval to use power-line spaces had violated terms by erecting permanent structures on wetlands. Osiyemi added that the three-year rail project forms part of Lagos State’s integrated transport solution aimed at easing mobility across the metropolis.

Other areas visited during the inspection included Chevron Gate off Orchid Road, Partibon Homes, Oral Extension Phase 2, and Park View in Ikoyi.

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During an on-site inspection on Thursday, the Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Chief Felix Obuah, emphasized the administration’s resolve to enforce the Abuja Master Plan without compromise.

Obuah, who also visited the Utako district, criticized ongoing unauthorized construction activities by a developer who had reportedly defied multiple stop-work notices.

“We’ve mobilized both equipment and personnel,” Obuah said. “Despite clear instructions and lack of any legal documentation, no approval, no allocation, these developments have continued. Within 48 hours, these structures will be history. We’re restoring order to Abuja, and no one is above the law.”

He reiterated that the FCTA would no longer tolerate disregard for planning regulations, especially in environmentally sensitive zones such as green belts and waterways.

Echoing Obuah’s stance, Director of the Department of Development Control, Muktar Galadima, confirmed that the buildings in question lacked any formal approvals and had been previously marked for removal at various stages of construction.

“Unfortunately, some developers continue their activities despite being invited to clarify their positions,” Galadima said. “This defiance only leaves us with one option, demolition.”

He noted that the affected properties range from structures still under construction to fully roofed buildings.

The move is part of a broader effort to curb environmental degradation and reinforce the city’s original planning vision.

The post FCTA Moves to Demolish Over 10 Illegal Buildings on Green Zones, Waterways appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The action follows an inspection led by Felix Obuah, Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), who toured the area with senior officials on Monday. The structures, built by Cityscape Estate on Plot 4851, were flagged for violating development control laws and encroaching on critical environmental buffers.

“These buildings were put up without the proper clearances. It’s a clear breach of Abuja’s planning standards,” Obuah remarked during the visit. He stressed that such actions not only defy the city’s Master Plan but also endanger lives by obstructing natural water flow and creating flood risks.

Obuah stated that demolition machinery had already been mobilised and that the process of removing the structures would begin shortly. He also sounded a warning to other developers considering similar moves: any buildings constructed without valid documentation especially on waterways or road reserves will be taken down without hesitation.

Additionally, Obuah signaled internal accountability, warning that any AMMC staff found to have enabled or overlooked such violations would face disciplinary consequences.

According to Obuah, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has made it clear that restoring order and upholding Abuja’s urban integrity is a top priority, and no violations no matter how well-connected will be tolerated.

During the inspection, one structure was pulled down as a symbolic start, while the developer was granted a two-week window to voluntarily clear out the remaining unapproved buildings. Should the developer fail to act within the timeframe, a full-scale demolition will be carried out at their expense.

Mr. Mukhtar Galadima, Director of Development Control, noted that the initial land allocation had been partially affected by the proposed S20 road alignment. To address this, an additional parcel was granted as compensation. However, he emphasized that proper building approvals were still mandatory before any construction activity.

A preliminary review showed that the number of structures erected far exceeded the approved limit. According to Mr. Gabriel Musa, Chairman of the FCT Building Contravention Taskforce, only 18 units were sanctioned, yet a total of 42 buildings had been put up.

Responding to the situation, developer Mr. Kadiri Obaidi admitted there were breaches and claimed some of the extra buildings were put up by overzealous estate subscribers. He promised to begin pulling down the illegal structures within the grace period to reclaim any salvageable materials. The council reiterated that the entire cost of the demolition would be borne by the developer.

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