The Chairman of the Forum of Former Enugu State House of Assembly Members and former Southeast spokesman for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Josef Onoh, has attributed the recent flooding in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, to illegal constructions along waterways and has called for immediate federal intervention.
Heavy Rainfall Causes Widespread Flooding
Heavy rainfall on Monday submerged several parts of Abuja, with videos circulating on social media showing stranded vehicles and roads overtaken by floodwaters. Onoh, who previously served as Chairman of the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA), stated that the flooding is not merely due to heavy rainfall but is a direct result of reckless development and criminal encroachment on waterways.
Risk of Environmental Crisis
Onoh warned that Abuja risks sliding into a full-scale environmental crisis if immediate action is not taken. He recalled raising similar concerns last year regarding the systematic blockage of natural water channels in the FCT, but his warnings were ignored.
Recommendations for Urgent Action
Onoh called on President Tinubu to direct the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to conduct a comprehensive audit and mapping of all encroached waterways and floodplains in the territory. He also recommended the revocation and demolition of illegal structures built on waterways, large-scale desilting and rehabilitation of drainage systems in vulnerable districts, and strict enforcement of environmental protection laws to prevent further encroachment.
Offer of Expertise
The former ECTDA chairman offered to provide his expertise free of charge to assist with the demolition exercise, citing his experience managing a similar agency in Enugu State.
Potential Consequences
“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 danger. Most importantly, human lives will continue to be at grave risk,” Onoh said.
Recurring Challenge
Flooding has become a recurring challenge in several parts of Abuja during the rainy season, with urban planners frequently linking the problem to poor drainage systems and widespread construction on floodplains.
