Abuja — Prominent politician and former South East spokesman for President Bola Tinubu’s campaign, Josef Onoh, has raised alarm over the recurring flooding in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, warning that the situation could soon force residents to resort to using boats for movement within the city.
In a strongly worded statement, Onoh attributed the worsening flooding not just to heavy rainfall but primarily to illegal developments, reckless encroachment on natural water channels, and the blockage of drainage systems.
He said:
“The flooding we are witnessing in the FCT is the direct result of reckless development and the criminal encroachment of our waterways. If urgent attention is not given to this matter, not only will FCT residents soon resort to using boats to access different parts of the city after every rainfall, but critical infrastructure including roads, bridges, public buildings, and utilities will be in serious danger. Most importantly, human lives will continue to be at grave risk.”
Onoh, who previously served as Chairman of the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA), recalled that he had raised similar concerns last year.
He urged President Bola Tinubu and relevant authorities to immediately intervene by conducting a comprehensive audit and mapping of all encroached waterways, demolishing illegal structures on floodplains, and embarking on aggressive desilting and rehabilitation of drainage systems across the FCT.
The former presidential campaign spokesman warned that continued inaction could lead to an environmental crisis in Nigeria’s capital, undermining efforts toward sustainable urban development.
Flooding has become an annual challenge in several parts of Abuja, especially during the rainy season, with areas such as Mabushi, Asokoro, Wuye, Maitama, Lugbe, and TradeMore Estate frequently affected.
Experts and residents have consistently blamed poor enforcement of the Abuja Master Plan, blocked drains, and construction on green belts and waterways.
As the rainy season intensifies, the FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD) has also been issuing warnings to residents in flood-prone areas to relocate temporarily for safety.
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