Federal Capital Territory Senator Ireti Kingibe has accused the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, of worsening the recurring flooding in Abuja by approving developments on green areas, flood channels, gullies and flood plains.
Kingibe, who made the allegation in an interview with Arise News on Monday, said several developments across the nation’s capital had deviated from the Abuja Master Plan and obstructed natural waterways.
According to her, she had repeatedly raised concerns with relevant FCT authorities over construction activities in areas originally designated for drainage and environmental protection.
“Some of the developments sanctioned by the current FCT administration are indeed heightening the flood risk in Abuja. I have consistently raised concerns about the green areas, gullies, flood channels and flood plains, as I observe them being developed upon,” she said.
The senator cited developments in Wuse Zone 6, where she alleged that a residential project was being constructed over a sewage line, describing the situation as a potential health hazard because of persistent foul odours.
She also alleged that several gullies in Asokoro, including areas close to the residence of the Senate President, had been built upon, thereby obstructing natural channels through which rainwater should flow.
Kingibe further raised concerns over the development of Jabi Park, a designated public green area, alleging that parts of the park were being cleared for construction.
She also pointed to a deep gully around the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre which, according to her, had been enclosed for purposes she could not ascertain.
The senator warned that the obstruction of Abuja’s natural waterways could continue to worsen the impact of heavy rainfall across the capital.
“When it rains, particularly given the rocky terrain surrounding Abuja, the water has no proper outlet because all its pathways are obstructed. Even the flood channels that remain open have been constricted to the point where water cannot flow effectively,” Kingibe said.
Her comments come amid renewed flooding in parts of Abuja following heavy rainfall, with several roads and residential areas affected.
The FCT Administration has, however, defended its response to the flooding, with officials attributing some of the problems to rapid urbanisation, blocked drains and drainage challenges inherited from previous administrations.
Wike’s aides have also dismissed criticisms of the minister’s administration as politically motivated, maintaining that Abuja had experienced chronic drainage problems before the present administration.
Kingibe, however, specifically faulted the FCT Development Control Department for allegedly approving developments that contravened the city’s master plan.
She argued that designated green areas, flood plains and drainage channels should be protected from construction to prevent further environmental degradation and flooding.
The senator’s position has renewed debate over the enforcement of Abuja’s original master plan and the responsibility of development control authorities to prevent construction in environmentally sensitive areas.
Urban planning experts have consistently warned that the removal of natural drainage pathways and green spaces could increase surface water runoff and worsen flooding, particularly as extreme rainfall becomes more frequent.
For Abuja, whose rocky terrain naturally channels rainwater through specific drainage paths, the obstruction of such routes could leave large volumes of water with limited outlets during heavy downpours.
Kingibe’s allegations have therefore placed the FCT’s development control regime under renewed scrutiny, with calls for authorities to review developments on flood plains, gullies, green areas and other protected spaces.
