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.

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Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory, has accused the administration of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike of worsening Abuja’s flooding problems through developments she says have encroached on green areas, flood channels and flood plains.

Kingibe made the allegations while discussing the recent flooding recorded across parts of Abuja, arguing that some planning and development decisions have reduced the city’s capacity to manage heavy rainfall.

According to the senator, Abuja’s flooding problem predates the current FCT administration, but she believes the situation has become significantly worse over the past three to four years.

She said she had previously raised concerns with relevant FCT agencies about development around green areas and waterways.

Green areas and waterways under scrutiny

Kingibe said construction on areas that previously provided routes for stormwater has restricted the movement of water during heavy rainfall.

She specifically pointed to developments around parts of Asokoro, Jabi and Wuse, arguing that some gullies, flood channels and green areas have been built on or restricted.

The senator said the city’s original planning framework was designed to preserve certain areas for environmental and drainage purposes and warned that continued development in such locations could increase flood risks.

She also cited concerns around sewage and drainage infrastructure, saying some facilities require urgent attention.

Flooding exposes Abuja’s infrastructure challenge

The recent flooding affected several parts of the capital, renewing concerns about the city’s drainage capacity and the pace of urban expansion.

The problem is not limited to rainfall itself. Drainage capacity, waste disposal, development patterns and enforcement of planning regulations all influence how effectively stormwater moves through an urban area.

Kingibe called for rubbish to be cleared from streets and drainage channels, noting that waste can quickly be carried into drains during heavy rainfall and worsen blockages.

She also called for a broader review of Abuja’s sewage and drainage infrastructure.

FCT Administration says flooding predates Wike

The FCT Administration has rejected attempts to attribute Abuja’s flooding solely to the current minister.

Wike’s spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, said Abuja experienced serious flooding before Wike assumed office, citing incidents recorded in areas including Wuse, Jabi and Lokogoma in previous years.

He argued that the latest flooding reflects the challenges created by the rapid expansion of the capital, including inadequate drainage infrastructure, waste management problems and pressure on existing systems.

The FCT Administration also said it is reviewing Abuja’s 1979 Master Plan to reflect the city’s current population and development realities.

Planning decisions face renewed scrutiny

The disagreement has brought Abuja’s land-use planning system back into focus.

Kingibe has argued that the authorities must explain how developments affecting green areas, flood channels and flood plains are being approved.

The FCT Administration, meanwhile, maintains that flooding is a longstanding challenge and says it is taking steps to improve drainage and address the city’s changing infrastructure needs.

The debate highlights a wider challenge facing Abuja: how to accommodate rapid urban growth without sacrificing the environmental corridors and infrastructure needed to manage extreme rainfall.

For residents, the immediate concern is reducing the risk of further flooding. For planners and authorities, the longer-term challenge is ensuring that new development does not create additional pressure on drainage systems.

As the debate continues, greater transparency around land approvals, master-plan compliance, drainage capacity and development in environmentally sensitive areas could help establish what is driving Abuja’s worsening flood risk.

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