Wike’s Aide Defends FCT Over Abuja Flooding

The FCT Administration has defended its response to the recent flooding in parts of Abuja, with the Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, saying the problem did not begin under Nyesom Wike’s leadership.

Olayinka made the clarification on Monday following criticism of the FCT minister after heavy rainfall caused flooding in some parts of the nation’s capital on Saturday.

He said flooding had been recorded in Abuja several years before Wike became minister, arguing that it was therefore unfair to blame the current administration for every flood incident in the city.

According to him, areas including Wuse, Jabi and Lokogoma experienced flooding in 2019, while similar incidents were reported in Lokogoma, Efab Estate, Gudu and some bridges in 2022.

Olayinka said the latest flooding followed heavy rainfall, adding that the water later went down in affected areas. He noted that the FCT Administration was aware of the drainage challenges facing the capital and was working on measures to reduce the impact of future rainfall.

He linked some of the flooding problems to Abuja’s rapid population and physical growth, which he said had increased pressure on drainage systems, waste management and urban infrastructure.

The minister’s aide also raised concerns about blocked and damaged drainage channels. He accused scavengers of removing drainage covers, leaving open drains exposed to rubbish that can obstruct the free flow of water.

Olayinka said the administration was taking steps to address the wider drainage and planning problems in the capital. He disclosed that the FCT was reviewing the 1979 Abuja Master Plan to make it more suitable for the city’s current population and development needs.

He added that the administration was also working on the use of drainage covers that would be harder to remove in order to reduce damage to drainage systems.

The aide said the recent flooding should not be taken as evidence that the FCT Administration was ignoring the problem. He said efforts would continue in the areas of drainage, waste disposal and urban planning to improve Abuja’s ability to cope with heavy rainfall.

The flooding has renewed public discussion about Abuja’s drainage infrastructure, urban development and the need for stronger enforcement of planning and waste management rules as the city continues to expand.