ABUJA FLOODS WORSEN AS LANDLORDS, BUSINESSES DEMAND URGENT ACTION

Residents, landlords and business owners in Abuja are calling for urgent action as recurring floods continue to affect homes, roads and businesses across the Federal Capital Territory.

The FCT Stakeholders Forum for Development, made up of landlords, business owners and investors, said the recent flooding had become a serious concern that could no longer be ignored.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the forum’s Chairman, Chief David Kente, said several communities had been affected, with homes submerged, roads cut off and businesses disrupted.

According to the group, the flooding is being driven by several factors, including rapid urban development, blocked drainage channels and improper waste disposal.

The forum also blamed the removal of drainage covers by scavengers for contributing to blocked waterways and worsening the situation.

While some critics have linked the floods to alleged violations of Abuja’s Master Plan, the group said flooding had existed in the capital under previous administrations and should be treated as a long-term urban planning and environmental problem.

However, the forum argued that Abuja’s 1979 Master Plan is now outdated and needs to be reviewed to reflect the capital’s growing population and changing infrastructure needs.

Kente said Abuja now has more than 3.5 million residents, making it necessary for the government to modernise its development plan and improve the city’s drainage infrastructure.

The group called on the FCT Administration, led by Minister Nyesom Wike, to immediately begin the desilting of drainage channels, enforce laws against encroachment on waterways and review the existing Master Plan.

Despite its concerns, the forum expressed support for Wike’s infrastructure projects across the FCT, describing him as “Mr Project.”

It said ongoing road construction and urban renewal could help improve Abuja if they were accompanied by proper environmental planning.

The group also urged residents to play their part by avoiding indiscriminate waste disposal and other activities that could block drainage channels.

The flooding concerns come as national agencies continue to warn about flood risks during the rainy season. The National Emergency Management Agency has activated its emergency operations centre, while the Nigeria Meteorological Agency has identified the FCT among areas at risk of flash floods.

For Abuja residents and businesses, the growing concern is not only about the current floods but also about preventing the situation from becoming a regular occurrence.

The forum believes that stronger planning, better drainage systems, enforcement of environmental regulations and cooperation between the government and residents can help make Abuja a more flood-resilient city.