Abuja Sinks? Residents raise alarm over flooding, blame FCT Administration

Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have criticised the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, following flooding that submerged parts of Abuja after a heavy downpour.

Videos circulating on X showed several areas of Wuse 2, including Ademola Adetokunbo Crescent, the bridge near City Park and a plaza, inundated by floodwater. Several vehicles were also seen partially submerged.

Other areas reportedly affected by the flooding include Wuse Zone 1, Katampe, Durumi, Gwarinpa, Gaduwa and Gudu.

The downpour left some motorists and residents stranded as floodwater took over roads and other parts of the affected areas before eventually receding.

The incident triggered reactions on social media, with some residents and users blaming the FCT administration for what they described as poor drainage infrastructure and alleged deviation from the original Abuja Master Plan.

An X user, Chude, said Abuja was designed as a planned capital that was not expected to experience widespread flooding.

“Abuja is sinking. The planned capital of Nigeria, one of three purpose-built capitals in West Africa and the newest there, was never meant to flood,” he wrote.

He alleged that blocked drainages, narrowed canals and the development of green areas had contributed to the worsening situation.

Another X user, Everest, criticised the administration, saying the city had deteriorated since the current leadership took over.

Mohammed Jummal described the flooding as a serious concern, noting that some areas that had not previously experienced flooding were now being affected.

“The flooding in Abuja should be a serious concern for all of us. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever seen it this bad, especially with flooding now occurring in areas where we’ve never experienced it before,” he wrote.

Theo Abu Agada also blamed the APC administration, alleging that the conversion of green areas for development had contributed to the problem.

The reactions come amid growing concerns over flooding and drainage challenges in parts of Abuja, with residents calling for urgent intervention to prevent further disruption during the rainy season.