Op-Ed: Nigeria at the Crossroads

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Op-Ed: Nigeria at the Crossroads

Op-Ed: Nigeria at the Crossroads

Nigeria today stands at a critical juncture, where politics, economics, and society intersect in ways that will shape the nation’s future. The headlines reveal not just isolated events but interconnected struggles that demand deeper reflection.

Leadership Under Scrutiny Senator Ali Ndume’s sharp rebuke of President Tinubu’s aides is more than a political outburst; it is a symptom of a wider crisis of confidence in governance. When those closest to the president are perceived as incompetent, the machinery of state risks grinding to a halt. For Nigeria, the implication is clear: without a capable and trusted inner circle, reforms will falter, and public trust will erode further.

The Fuel Subsidy Debate: A Test of Transparency Atiku Abubakar’s insistence on clarity regarding subsidy savings touches the nerve of Nigeria’s economic dilemma. The presidency’s claim of a ₦19.1 trillion funding burden illustrates the scale of the challenge. Yet Nigerians are less concerned with figures than with the tangible impact on their daily lives, rising costs, shrinking incomes, and a sense of economic suffocation. The debate is not just about policy; it is about whether leaders can convince citizens that sacrifice today will yield relief tomorrow.

The Certificate Controversy: Politics of Legitimacy The renewed challenge to President Tinubu’s academic credentials underscores how questions of legitimacy continue to haunt Nigerian politics. In a country where institutions are often distrusted, the symbolism of a leader’s qualifications carries weight. This controversy risks distracting from pressing governance issues, yet it also reflects a deeper yearning for accountability and integrity in public office.

Security and Trust in Institutions The abduction of villagers in Niger State, voter intimidation in Abuja, and police extortion scandals all point to a troubling erosion of security and institutional credibility. When citizens cannot rely on law enforcement to protect rather than exploit them, the social contract itself begins to fray. Nigeria’s future stability depends on rebuilding trust in these institutions, without which democracy itself is imperiled.

Football Governance: A Mirror of National Challenges The resignation of Nigeria’s football leadership is emblematic of a broader governance malaise. Just as mismanagement has plagued the nation’s sports, so too has it hindered progress in politics and the economy. Football, often seen as a unifying force, now reflects the same failures of accountability and vision that afflict the state. Reform here could serve as a symbolic starting point for wider institutional renewal.

Technology and Innovation: Glimpses of Progress The partnership between UAE’s Al Ashram and Africa’s largest network provider to build AI data centers signals a bold step toward modernization. Coupled with the government’s rollout of electric vehicles for civil servants, these initiatives suggest that Nigeria is not entirely trapped in its crises. The challenge lies in ensuring that such innovations are not isolated projects but part of a coherent strategy to leapfrog into a more sustainable future.

Nigeria and the World in Focus | Top Stories | At This Time

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Nigeria and the World in Focus | Top Stories | At This Time

Nigeria and the World in Focus | Top Stories | At This Time

Ndume’s Rebuke of Tinubu’s Aides Senator Ali Ndume has openly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s aides, branding them as incompetent and unfit for their roles. His remarks underscore growing frustrations within the political class about the administration’s handling of governance. Ndume’s call for reform reflects a wider sentiment that the president’s team must be reshuffled to restore confidence in leadership and deliver on promises made to Nigerians.

Atiku’s Clash Over Fuel Subsidy Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s aides have engaged in a heated exchange over the government’s fuel subsidy policy. Atiku has demanded transparency on the savings supposedly accrued from subsidy removal, while the presidency insists that Nigeria faces a staggering ₦19.1 trillion funding burden. This dispute highlights the deep divisions over economic policy and the struggle to balance fiscal responsibility with the welfare of citizens.

House Member Challenges Atiku on Tinubu’s Certificate In another political twist, a member of the House of Representatives has challenged Atiku Abubakar to clarify his position on President Tinubu’s certificate controversy. This confrontation adds fuel to the ongoing debate about the president’s academic credentials, a matter that continues to polarize the political landscape.

Catholic Bishops as Guardians of Common Humanity

Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria logo

Catholic Bishops as Guardians of Common Humanity

In a nation battered by sectarian violence and political complacency, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has once again stepped into its role as the moral conscience of society.

On 26 August 2026, the Bishops issued a resounding condemnation of the attack on Muslim worshippers in Borgu, Niger State, where over 60 faithful were abducted, alongside the massacre in Ukum, Benue State that claimed 47 lives and left 17 critically wounded.

The statement, signed by CBCN President Most Rev. Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, was more than a routine denunciation of violence. It was a deliberate act of solidarity with Muslim compatriots, a reminder that the prophetic mandate of the Church transcends creed and dogma.

Rwanda’s Milk Bars - Between Tradition and Health

Moses Sansiman taps into cold whole milk at his milk bar. Some milk bars offer a variety of flavors but Sansiman says he likes to keep it simple. Claire Harbage/NPR

Rwanda’s Milk Bars -  Between Tradition and Health

In Kigali, Rwanda’s bustling capital, one of the most beloved social rituals is not centered around beer or coffee, but milk. Milk bars, where patrons gather to sip tall glasses of cold, pasteurized whole milk, have become a defining feature of urban life.

They emerged as a solution for city dwellers who lost direct access to cows when moving from rural areas, yet they quickly evolved into cultural institutions.

For many Rwandans, milk is more than nourishment; it is sacred, tied to centuries of reverence for cows as symbols of prosperity and well-being.

The ritual of drinking milk carries deep cultural meaning. Customers often insist on consuming it fresh, either at the bar or directly from a cow, never from a boxed container. Respect for cows dictates that milk must be drunk while seated, a gesture of reverence.

Expressions such as “may you have a cow” remain embedded in the language, reflecting the animal’s role as a traditional measure of wealth. For many, milk is not just a beverage but a sacred inheritance, a daily affirmation of cultural identity.

2026 EID-EL-MAULUD: FCT MINISTER FELICITATES WITH RESIDENTS

His Excellency, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, Hon. Mins. of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)

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2026 EID-EL-MAULUD: FCT MINISTER FELICITATES WITH RESIDENTS

… URGES THEM TO EMBRACE PEACE, UNITY, AND DIALOGUE

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), His Excellency, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, CON, has extended his warm felicitation to the Muslim faithful in the FCT and across Nigeria on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Maulud, celebrating the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

In his official message to residents, the Minister highlighted the core virtues of the Holy Prophet’s life and teachings, describing Eid-el-Maulud as a sacred period for deep reflection on peace, compassion, sacrifice, patience, tolerance, and fellowship.

He emphasized that the FCT was established on the principles of unity and tolerance, and urged all residents to exhibit these values in their daily interactions and embrace dialogue as the primary means to resolve differences.

"The FCT was built on the foundation of unity, diversity, and tolerance for all Nigerians", the Minister stated, adding that, "There is the need for us to embrace the true meaning and virtues of sacrifice, patience, tolerance, and fellowship in our daily interactions”.

"WE HAVE DELIVERED ON OUR PROMISES" - FCT MINISTER

L-R: Coordinator, STDD, Hon Abdulkadir Zulkiflu; Director, Regional Infrastructure, STDD, Engr Bayo Baderinwa; FCT Minister, Barr Ezenwo Nyesom Wike; AMAC Chairman, Hon Christopher Maikalangu; Hon Kenneth Chikere, during an inspection tour of the Apo-Karshi Road on Saturday, August 22, 2026.

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"WE HAVE DELIVERED ON OUR PROMISES" - FCT MINISTER

…SAYS PRESIDENT TINUBU’S RE-ELECTION CAMPAIGN WILL FOCUS ON VISIBLE ACHIEVEMENTS

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election campaign will be anchored on tangible, visible projects delivered to improve the livelihoods of citizens rather than empty political promises.

Speaking to newsmen following an inspection tour of key satellite town road projects—including the long-awaited Apo-Karshi road and the 14-kilometre Bwari-Kubwa road—the Minister expressed delight that the administration has turned longstanding infrastructure challenges into concrete achievements.

"Campaign is not about promises; it is about what you put into action that impacts the lives of the people," Wike stated. "The administration of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has delivered for the residents of the FCT. Our team can go home satisfied that promises made have been fulfilled."

Speaking on the 13.5km Apo-Karshi road project, the Minister explained that the contract was awarded as far back as 2011 and was among the abandoned projects inherited by the current administration. Citing its importance to residents and persistent complaints over the delay, the Minister said the original contract was terminated and re-awarded to SCC, a firm he described as having the capacity to deliver.

The Minister commended SCC for continuing work on the project despite payment delays, calling it a sign of confidence in the administration's commitment to fulfilling its obligations. He said the contractor has projected a November completion date.

The Minister also highlighted progress on the 14-kilometre Bwari-Kubwa Road, a project he said residents never imagined would materialize. He stated that the project is expected to be handed over to the FCT Administration by December.

“I have said by December this project will be handed over to us. Now it's for the people here to also do their own part by appreciating Mr. President for not just making promises but making promises and fulfilling those promises. So, I'm highly delighted”, the Minister stressed.

Remarking on his three years anniversary in office, the Minister thanked President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, acknowledging that the tenure had not been without challenges but expressing satisfaction that his team had worked to overcome them. He pointed to his prior record as a local government chairman, a former Minister of State, and a former Governor of Rivers State as evidence of his commitment to public service.

The Minister announced plans to publish a comprehensive record of infrastructure projects inherited from previous administrations — dating back to the Obasanjo, Yar'Adua, Jonathan, and Buhari governments — alongside projects awarded and completed under the current administration, to allow the public to independently assess performance.

FCTA PHOTO NEWS

FCTA PHOTO NEWS

 FCT Minister Nyesom Wike today paid a condolence visit to D D Dodo, SAN, in his Maitama residence, Abuja over the demise of his mother, Mrs Veronica Rabi Dodo who died on Wednesday, 19th August, 2026.

Late Mrs Rabi Dodo was born on the 29th of November 1944.

Below are pictures from the visit:

Weekend Editorial: Nigeria’s Economy, Climate, and Global Tensions

Nigeria’s Economy, Climate, and Global Tensions

Weekend Editorial: Nigeria’s Economy, Climate, and Global Tensions

Nigeria stands at a crossroads where economic resilience, environmental urgency, and geopolitical complexity converge. The nation’s economy, though challenged by inflation and currency volatility, continues to show sparks of ingenuity.

From fintech startups in Lagos to agricultural innovation across the north, Nigerians are proving that creativity can thrive even under pressure. Yet, the government must move beyond rhetoric to structural reform, addressing energy supply, fiscal discipline, and industrial diversification.

The naira’s stability and the cost of living are not mere statistics; they define the daily reality of millions. Economic recovery will depend on restoring confidence through transparency, investment in local production, and a renewed social contract between leadership and citizens.

Climate change adds another layer of urgency. Floods, desertification, and erratic rainfall are reshaping livelihoods across the country. Nigeria’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainable agriculture must shift from policy papers to tangible projects. 

The world’s climate crisis is not waiting for bureaucratic consensus, it demands immediate adaptation and innovation.

Weekend Reflections: Nigeria and the World

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It captures Nigeria’s resilience and its connection to global challenges, blending Lagos and Abuja skylines with scenes of climate change, conflict, and international landmarks, all watched over by a figure draped in the Nigerian flag

Weekend Reflections: Nigeria and the World

As we step into another weekend, it is worth pausing to reflect on the currents shaping both Nigeria and the wider world.

The national mood remains one of resilience, even amid economic pressures, political debates, and the ongoing quest for stability. Nigerians continue to grapple with inflation, currency fluctuations, and the cost of living, yet the spirit of innovation and determination is evident in the way communities adapt, businesses evolve, and young people push boundaries in technology, arts, and civic engagement.

Globally, the conversation is dominated by climate change, geopolitical tensions, and the shifting balance of economic power. Extreme weather events remind us that the climate crisis is not a distant threat but a present reality, demanding urgent cooperation across nations. Meanwhile, conflicts in different regions highlight the fragility of peace and the importance of dialogue over division.

Obi’s 2027 Campaign and the Call for Accountability

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC)

Obi’s 2027 Campaign and the Call for Accountability

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), has officially flagged off his campaign for the 2027 elections, urging Nigerians to rise to the occasion by asking tough questions of those seeking their mandate.

At a news conference in Onitsha, Anambra State, Obi declared that Nigeria is at a crossroads, facing challenges of existential proportions, but insisted that the country can and must work if led with discipline and vision.

Obi’s message was clear: the nation’s economic and social crises, weak infrastructure, unreliable power, insecurity, and the high cost of doing business, cannot be solved by rhetoric alone. 

He emphasized that millions of young Nigerians enter the labor market each year without finding productive opportunities, a situation he pledged to reverse by placing production, investment, enterprise, and human capital at the center of his agenda.

Highlighting his private-sector background, policy studies, and tenure as governor of Anambra, Obi positioned himself as uniquely qualified for the task. His running mate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, was presented as a complement to his vision, bringing a strong record in education, technical training, and infrastructure from his time as governor of Kano State.

Nigerians to Buy PMS at Affordable Prices - Fix Four Refineries?

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It captures the essence of Nigeria’s fuel future, showing a fuel station with affordable PMS prices set against the backdrop of a refinery and the Nigerian flag

Nigerians to Buy PMS at Affordable Prices - Fix Four Refineries?

For decades, Nigeria’s paradox has been glaring: a nation blessed with abundant crude oil reserves yet plagued by high fuel prices and dependence on imports. 

The promise of Nigerians buying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at a truly affordable price hinges on one critical question, will the government finally fix the four moribund refineries?

At present, the country relies heavily on imported refined products, a situation that drains foreign reserves and exposes citizens to the volatility of global oil markets. The recent intervention by the Dangote Refinery, which has already slashed PMS prices by ₦200 per litre, demonstrates the transformative power of local refining.

By absorbing part of the global cost shocks, Dangote has shown that Nigerians can indeed enjoy cheaper fuel when domestic capacity is functional.

The government’s plan to rehabilitate the four state-owned refineries, Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna among them, could be a game-changer. If these refineries are restored to optimal capacity, Nigeria would not only reduce its reliance on imports but also stabilize PMS prices across the country.

The proposal to supply crude directly to refiners at discounted rates further strengthens the case, as it would cut freight and handling costs, allowing refiners to pass savings on to consumers.

Nigerians Divided Over Atiku’s Subsidy Removal

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It captures the tension and symbolism of the debate — two opposing groups of demonstrators facing each other under the Nigerian flag, one demanding the return of fuel subsidies and the other warning of fiscal disaster

Nigerians Divided Over Atiku’s Subsidy Removal

The debate over Atiku Abubakar’s proposal to restore Nigeria’s petrol subsidy has ignited a fierce national conversation, exposing deep divisions across political, economic, and social lines.

The former vice president’s statement—framed as a promise to “ease the burden on ordinary Nigerians”, has been met with both praise and skepticism, reflecting the country’s complex relationship with fuel pricing and fiscal reform.

Atiku’s argument rests on the belief that the removal of subsidies under the current administration has worsened living conditions, driving up transport costs and inflation. His supporters, largely drawn from labour unions and lower-income groups, see the subsidy’s return as a necessary relief for households struggling under rising prices.

They argue that the government’s savings from subsidy removal have not translated into tangible improvements in infrastructure or welfare, leaving citizens to bear the brunt of economic adjustment.

IBB GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB TO REOPEN IN DECEMBER, SAYS FCT MINISTER

L-R Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr Richard Yunana Dauda, Regional Manager, Julius Berger Nigeria Limited, Oliver Berger, FCT Minister, Barr Nyesom Wike and Kenneth Chikere during the Minister's inspection of ongoing construction of road CO1 in Lifecamp, Abuja on Friday

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IBB GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB TO REOPEN IN DECEMBER, SAYS FCT MINISTER

…AS HE INSPECTS KEY ROAD PROJECTS SLATED FOR COMPLETION BY YEAR END

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has confirmed that the rehabilitation of the IBB Golf and Country Club in Aso Drive, Maitama District, Abuja, will be completed and the facility reopened to the public in December this year.

The Minister made the disclosure on Friday, August 21, 2026, while addressing journalists after inspecting several key infrastructure projects across the territory that are billed for completion by December, including the Collector Road CO1 in Life Camp, from Berger Clinic to Dape District, and Arterial Road N1, linking Wuye District and Ring Road II.

The Minister expressed satisfaction with progress on the Collector Road CO1 in Life Camp, being handled by Julius Berger, noting that the project is expected to be handed over by December. He likewise commended the quality of work on the Arterial Road N1 project, being executed by Arab Contractors, which is also on schedule for a December handover.

Addressing the rehabilitation of the IBB Golf and Country Club, the Minister explained that the intervention followed a directive from the President, who instructed that the facility — long used by diplomats and members of the public for recreation — be restored and reopened by December.

He explained that the club had been shut down following an internal crisis among its members, adding that a caretaker committee, chaired by the President of the Court of Appeal, was constituted in response, to oversee its affairs. The Minister commended the committee's work in facilitating the rehabilitation contract, which was awarded to Julius Berger Plc, the company that originally built the Club.

He noted that while the contractor has indicated a November completion date, government has set December as the target reopening date in line with the President's directive. The Minister added that once handed over, the Club is expected to generate its own funds to sustain operations going forward, reducing reliance on public financing.

According to the Minister, “Mr. President directed that this Golf Course must be ready and reopened by December. So, we have given it to Julius Berger to make sure that everything is done, and by December this year, the Golf Course will be reopened. It was shut down because of the internal crisis among its members, and we had to appoint a caretaker committee that is being headed by the President of the Court of Appeal.

Report on Atiku Abubakar’s Claim Regarding Obasanjo and the Prison Injection Plot

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A combo portrait of Olusegun Obasanjo and Atiku Abubakar, a warm, symbolic image showing both leaders side by side, smiling in traditional attire. It captures their shared history and enduring presence in Nigeria’s political landscape.

Atiku Abubakar recently claimed that he saved former President Olusegun Obasanjo from a potentially fatal injection while Obasanjo was in prison, drawing parallels with the death of General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua in 1997. He said he warned Obasanjo against accepting the injection after receiving intelligence of a plot, a revelation that underscores the long and complex relationship between the two men.

Report on Atiku Abubakar’s Claim Regarding Obasanjo and the Prison Injection Plot

Background

Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria and current presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has made a striking revelation about events that allegedly occurred during Olusegun Obasanjo’s imprisonment in the late 1990s. Obasanjo, who was jailed under the regime of General Sani Abacha, later became Nigeria’s civilian president from 1999 to 2007, with Atiku serving as his deputy throughout that period.

The Alleged Plot

According to Atiku, while Obasanjo was incarcerated, he received information about a plan to administer a lethal injection to the former military ruler. Atiku stated that he immediately warned Obasanjo not to accept any such injection. He linked this alleged plot to the earlier death of General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua in 1997, who reportedly died under suspicious circumstances while in prison. Atiku suggested that Yar’Adua’s death was the result of a similar injection, and he feared Obasanjo was about to face the same fate.

FCT MINISTER INSPECTS KEY INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS IN ABUJA

L-R: FCDA Executive Secretary, Engr Richard Yunana Dauda; FCT Minister, Barr Ezenwo Nyesom Wike; Hon Emmanuel Thompson during an inspection tour of Arterial Road N16, Gwarimpa, by the FCT Minister on Thursday, August 20.

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FCT MINISTER INSPECTS KEY INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS IN ABUJA

…DEFENDS FUEL SUBSIDY REMOVAL BY PRESIDENT TINUBU

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, today conducted an extensive inspection of ongoing major infrastructure projects across the nation's capital.

The Minister’s tour covered the Full Scope Development of Arterial Road N16 from Jahi District through Gwarimpa to RR3, the rural Zaudna/Kagini/Kaba road project connecting Old Keffi road in Dei-Dei to the Outer Northern Expressway, and the construction of the Magistrate Court in Garki.

Addressing members of the press following the inspection tour, the Minister expressed overall satisfaction with the pace and quality of work being delivered across the territory, describing the ongoing projects as a direct manifestation of the administration's promises to residents.

ONGOING WATERWAYS DEMOLITION IN MAITAMA TO EXPAND CITY-WIDE, SAYS FCT MINISTER

FCT Minister, Barr Ezenwo Nyesom Wike addressing journalists during an inspection tour of ongoing construction of roads from Nile University to Ring Road 3 on Wednesday, August 19.

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ONGOING DEMOLITION OF HOUSES ON WATERWAYS IN MAITAMA TO EXTEND TO OTHER PARTS OF ABUJA– SAYS FCT MINISTER

...AS HE ANNOUNCES BAN ON THE USE OF GREEN AREAS AS CAR LOTS

As part of strategic efforts to mitigate severe urban flooding and restore the Abuja master plan, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has announced that ongoing demolitions targeting illegal structures built on drainage channels will expand from Maitama District across the entire territory without exception.

Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, following an extensive inspection tour of major infrastructure projects across the Federal Capital Territory, the FCT Minister emphasized the administration's firm stance on enforcing environmental and urban compliance.

"We just started somewhere. After that, we will move to another area. We are not going to end where we started yesterday. We are very serious and I can tell you that we are not going back. It doesn’t matter who is affected", Minister Wike declared.

Dismissing criticism regarding due process prior to the demolitions, the Minister noted that blocking natural waterways, gives room for flooding, threatening public safety: "You went to block a water channel, is that due process? I'm the one following due process to make sure the right thing is being done... By the time we remove those structures that block the water channel, there will be free flow of water to where it is supposed to be".

In addition to clearing water ways, Barr. Wike announced an immediate, territory-wide ban on the unauthorized conversion of public recreational zones, green spaces, and parks—including areas surrounding the Millennium Park—into commercial car dealerships and parking ports as part of efforts to manage flooding being experienced in some parts of the Federal Capital City.

Deeply decrying the negative trend, the Minister announced the establishment of a dedicated Task Force to enforce compliance and clear all unauthorized auto dealers from green zones.

“You can imagine, everywhere you have green areas, you have carports now. So, I've already stopped it, and I've set up a task force to make sure that every car dealer is moved out of the green areas. If you want to sell your car, you go and purchase somewhere and then develop it. Not where you see green. You just go and start selling cars or where is supposed to be a recreational park turned into the car selling point, we will not accept it again”, the Minister stated.

Accordingly, the FCT Head of Service, Nancy Sabanti Nathan, has summoned key directors—including those overseeing Parks and Recreation, Environmental Protection, Traffic Management, and Urban and Regional Planning—for questioning regarding illegal approvals issued to car dealers.

Providing updates on the projects he inspected, including the extension of the access road from Tungan Madaki community near the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to Zuba, the road extension from the Body of Benchers to Ring Road III and the dualization of the access road serving Nile University and Baze University in the Institutions and Research District, the Minister expressed satisfaction with the progress and quality of work.

He praised the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for advancing construction despite receiving less than 30% mobilization funding and commended their capacity, commitment, and equipment deployment. He assured that the FCT Administration remains fully committed to meeting its financial obligations.

“Let me use this opportunity to commend CCECC. Like I've said, these are projects of high capital expenditure, and we have not even mobilized them up to 30%. We can see how committed they are. I always say that contractors should also take into consideration their own support for the growth and development of the city.

“It's one of those companies that we have seen that money has never been a problem between them and the administration. I sincerely commend them, and I believe they will continue to give the FCT administration the required support to achieve all these projects.

 “On our own part, we will not take for granted that they are committed to the realization of the projects. We will do our own part to pay them their money. We will do that. But I really commend them for being committed to this, to the realization of these very important projects.”.

FCT MINISTER ORDERS IMMEDIATE DEMOLITION OF STRUCTURES ON WATERWAYS

FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike (middle), Acting Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda (left) and the Director, FCT Department of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, during the Minister's assessment visit of areas affected by flooding in the Maitama District of Abuja, ...Tuesday.

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FCT MINISTER ORDERS IMMEDIATE DEMOLITION OF STRUCTURES ON WATERWAYS

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has ordered the immediate demolition of all structures constructed along natural waterways and flood channels across the FCT.

The directive was issued on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, following an on-the-ground assessment visit to flood-affected areas in the Maitama District of Abuja.

Addressing journalists after the inspection, the Minister emphasized that the administration will not tolerate actions that compromise the safety of residents or breach the Abuja Master Plan, regardless of the status of the property owners involved.

He directed the FCT Department of Development Control to immediately identify and dismantle all illegal structures obstructing natural water passages without delay, stressing that exceptions will not be made for high profile individuals.

“I’m going to bring those structures down. Any house that fell on the water channel will go down. From today till Saturday, if the development control like, let them find any excuse to run away, they cannot. Thank God the Director Development Control is here because if you are running away to find excuses, you can’t. We will demolish all those houses found on the water channel”, the Minister stated.

He clarified that properties built illegally on water channels—including those owned by high-ranking officials and politicians—will be brought down without political consideration or bias.