The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, is expected to lead an inspection of a flood-prone area in Maitama today, as well as ongoing infrastructure projects along the Southern Parkway and ISEX corridor.
The inspection comes amid renewed concerns over flooding in parts of Abuja following heavy rainfall on Saturday. It is expected to enable the FCT Administration to assess vulnerable areas, identify the causes of flooding and determine measures required to prevent further incidents.
A source familiar with the arrangements said Wike would first visit Maitama before proceeding to the Southern Parkway and ISEX to inspect ongoing infrastructure projects.
“The minister wants to see the situation for himself and assess what needs to be done. The inspection is about finding solutions and ensuring that the necessary interventions are carried out,” the source said.
Another official said the minister remained committed to conducting regular inspections of projects to ensure contractors adhere to schedules and deliver work according to required standards.
Abuja, which was originally designed with an extensive network of roads, drainage systems, waterways and green areas, has experienced recurring flooding in some districts following periods of intense rainfall. The incidents have renewed calls for improved drainage infrastructure and stricter enforcement of the Abuja Master Plan.
Meanwhile, Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, has defended the FCT Administration’s response to Saturday’s flooding while criticising lawyer Deji Adeyanju and other commentators over their reactions to the incident.
Olayinka argued that flooding was not a new problem in Abuja and had occurred before Wike assumed office as FCT minister. He cited flooding recorded in Wuse, Jabi and Lokogoma in 2019, as well as incidents in Lokogoma, Efab Estate, Gudu and surrounding areas in 2022.
According to him, Saturday’s flooding highlights the challenges created by Abuja’s rapid expansion and the need for continuous investment in drainage and waste-management infrastructure.
He also blamed the blockage of drainage channels on the activities of scavengers who allegedly remove drainage covers, allowing refuse to accumulate and obstruct the free flow of water.
Olayinka said the FCT Administration was reviewing the 1979 Abuja Master Plan to reflect the city’s current realities. He added that the administration was also introducing drainage covers designed to prevent easy removal by scavengers.
He said the floodwaters from Saturday’s rainfall had receded, stressing that addressing the problem in the long term would require improved urban planning, effective drainage systems, proper waste management and strict enforcement of development regulations.
Olayinka also took a swipe at Adeyanju over his previous interventions in land-use disputes in Abuja. He alleged that the lawyer had previously defended an individual who constructed a school and church on land reportedly designated for recreational purposes.
He questioned the consistency of Adeyanju’s criticism of the administration’s handling of planning and environmental issues in the FCT.
