Former spokesman of President Bola Tinubu’s South-East campaign, Josef Onoh, has blamed the recent flooding in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, on illegal developments along waterways, calling for urgent federal intervention to prevent further environmental damage.
Heavy rainfall on Monday left several parts of Abuja submerged, with videos showing stranded vehicles and flooded roads across major districts of the city.
Flooding Caused by Encroachment, Not Just Rainfall — Onoh
Onoh, who previously served as Chairman of the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA), said the incident was not merely the result of heavy rainfall but a consequence of “reckless development and criminal encroachment of waterways.”
He warned that without immediate action, Abuja could face a worsening environmental crisis.
Calls for Audit and Demolition of Illegal Structures
Onoh urged President Bola Tinubu to direct the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to take urgent steps to address the situation.
He recommended a comprehensive audit and mapping of all encroached waterways and floodplains, alongside strict enforcement measures.
His proposals include:
- Demolition of illegal structures built on waterways
- Mass desilting of blocked drainage systems
- Rehabilitation of drainage infrastructure
- Stronger enforcement of environmental protection laws
Warning Over Future Flood Risks in Abuja
Onoh cautioned that if urgent action is not taken, Abuja residents may soon face severe disruptions after rainfall events.
He warned that roads, bridges, public buildings, and utilities could be at increasing risk, while human lives remain vulnerable to flooding incidents.
Recurring Flood Challenges in the FCT
Flooding has become an annual challenge in parts of Abuja during the rainy season, often linked by urban planners to poor drainage systems and unchecked construction on floodplains.
Experts say sustainable urban planning and strict enforcement of building regulations are critical to preventing future disasters in the capital city.
