Heavy rainfall has caused flooding in several parts of Abuja, leaving roads submerged and motorists stranded. Meanwhile, residents are concerned over the city’s drainage infrastructure and preparedness for heavy downpours.
According to NAN, the Federal Capital Territory Administration has said it is taking steps to address the recurring flooding. This follows Saturday’s heavy rainfall that affected parts of the nation’s capital.
Flood affects several parts of Abuja
The downpour caused flooding in areas including Wuse 2, Gudu, Lokogoma, Katampe Main and Utako. Some roads and connecting bridges were overwhelmed by rising water.
Videos and images shared by residents showed floodwaters covering roads and surrounding properties. Meanwhile, some motorists were reportedly left stranded as water levels increased.
The flooding also affected businesses and residential areas. As a result, residents are calling for urgent intervention to prevent similar incidents during the ongoing rainy season.
FCTA blames drainage, urban expansion
The FCT Administration attributed the recurring flooding partly to the rapid expansion of Abuja. It noted that drainage infrastructure, waste management and enforcement of planning regulations had not kept pace with the city’s growth.
The administration also raised concerns over the activities of scavengers who allegedly remove drainage covers. This leaves drainage channels exposed to refuse and obstruction.
Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike on Public Communications and Social Media, said the latest flooding was a reminder of the challenges facing the rapidly expanding capital.
“The sad reality is that Abuja has been witnessing flooding long before Wike assumed office,” Olayinka said.
He recalled that heavy rainfall had caused flooding in parts of Wuse, Jabi and Lokogoma in 2019. Furthermore, similar incidents occurred in Lokogoma, Efab Estate, Gudu and connecting bridges in 2022.
Wike’s aide responds to criticism
Olayinka made the comments in response to criticism from Abuja-based lawyer Deji Adeyanju. The lawyer had accused Wike of contributing to the deterioration of the capital.
The FCT minister’s aide described the criticism as “very unfortunate”. He argued that the latest flooding should not be presented as a new problem created by the current administration.
“When there was flood in Abuja in 2019, as reported in the media, was it Wike that caused it?” Olayinka asked.
He maintained that the FCT Administration was aware of the flooding problem. It had begun taking measures to prevent future occurrences.
Abuja Master Plan under review
Olayinka said the FCT Administration had commenced a review of the 1979 Abuja Master Plan. This is to reflect the current realities of the expanding city.
He said the administration was also introducing drainage covers designed to make them more difficult for scavengers to remove.
The move, according to the administration, is part of broader efforts to improve drainage management. This aims to reduce the impact of flooding across the capital.
Residents demand urgent action
Despite the explanation from the FCT Administration, the latest flooding has continued to generate concerns among residents and other stakeholders. In particular, there are concerns over drainage capacity and development in flood-prone areas.
The recurring incidents have renewed calls for stronger enforcement of planning regulations and improved waste management. Additionally, there are calls for urgent upgrades to drainage infrastructure as Abuja continues to expand.
The FCT Administration said it would continue working to address the factors contributing to flooding. The administration also aims to prevent a repeat of the disruption caused by the latest downpour.
