The worsening flood situation in Abuja has triggered a fresh political and environmental controversy, with Senator Ireti Kingibe accusing the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, of significantly aggravating the capital’s longstanding drainage problems.
Kingibe, who represents the FCT in the Senate, made the allegations during an interview with ARISE News on Monday, August 17, 2026, following renewed flooding across several parts of Abuja. Her comments came after heavy rainfall caused flash floods in parts of the capital, leaving roads inundated, vehicles submerged and residents stranded.
The senator argued that the flooding is linked in part to developments on areas originally intended to serve as green spaces, flood channels, gullies and flood plains. According to her, such developments have restricted the natural routes through which stormwater should flow, increasing the vulnerability of communities whenever heavy rain falls.
Kingibe said she had repeatedly raised concerns about the alleged encroachment on Abuja’s green areas and drainage infrastructure with relevant FCT authorities. She disclosed that she had written to the Department of Development Control, the Abuja Environmental Protection Board and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), seeking explanations on measures being taken to address the problem.
Using specific locations to illustrate her concerns, the senator mentioned Wuse Zone 6, Asokoro and the Jabi area. She alleged that construction activities had taken place around sewage lines, gullies and flood channels, potentially restricting water movement and creating additional environmental and public-health concerns.
Kingibe stressed that Abuja’s flooding problem did not begin with Wike’s administration. However, she argued that the situation had become considerably worse during his tenure as FCT minister. “Obviously, yes, there was a problem. It didn’t start with him, but he has definitely exacerbated that problem immensely,” she said.
The senator also rejected the suggestion that her criticism of Wike was primarily the result of a personal or political disagreement. She said she had been raising concerns about Abuja’s environmental and infrastructure challenges before the recent tensions between herself and the minister, including warnings about the potential consequences of developing green areas.
Recent flooding has intensified the debate. Heavy rainfall on Saturday, August 15, reportedly flooded several Abuja districts, including parts of Wuse 2, Gudu and Lokogoma, while the bridge linking Gaduwa and Durumi was also overwhelmed by floodwaters. The incidents renewed concerns about the capacity of the capital’s drainage network to cope with intense rainfall.
Beyond questions of land use and urban planning, Kingibe called for immediate action to clear refuse and unblock drains before subsequent heavy rainfall. She warned that accumulated waste could be washed into drainage systems, further obstructing already restricted waterways. She also called for a broader review of Abuja’s sewage and drainage infrastructure.
Kingibe further urged the National Assembly to exercise stronger oversight of the FCT and investigate the factors contributing to the worsening flood situation. While her allegations against the current FCT administration remain her assessment and have not by themselves established official responsibility for the flooding, the controversy has placed renewed attention on Abuja’s urban planning, drainage maintenance and protection of designated flood-control areas.
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