By Miriam Humbe
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) commenced a technical assessment of areas affected by the recent flash flooding in parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with a call for urgent and coordinated action to strengthen Abuja’s resilience against flooding.
The assessment tour, led by the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NiHSA, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, focused on assessing the extent of the flooding, its impacts on communities and infrastructure, and the factors contributing to the rapid accumulation and movement of floodwater.
The team visited Efab Estate, Lokogoma, where residents recounted the devastating impact of the flood on the community.
The Vice Chairman of the estate, Mr. Victor Esenyi, expressed concern over the recurring flooding in the area, particularly the presence of houses within flood-prone locations and inadequate drainage infrastructure.
He disclosed that residents had previously written to relevant authorities, seeking intervention.
According to him, the community has experienced repeated flooding over the years, with residents having witnessed the recovery of bodies following previous flood incidents.
Another resident, Engr. Niyi Ajayi, said the volume and speed of runoff during intense rainfall puts enormous pressure on the existing drainage system, resulting in submerged roads and placing several houses at risk.
The assessment team also examined a major water channel connected to the Lugbe axis, as well as damaged bridges and other structures that could restrict the free movement of stormwater.
Following the concerns raised by residents, the DG/CEO advised the estate management to formally write to NiHSA, detailing the challenges and concerns surrounding the flooding.
He assured the management that upon receipt of the letter, NiHSA would take up the matter with the developer and engage the relevant stakeholders towards finding an appropriate solution.
The team subsequently visited the Gudu area, where the Delight Event Centre was heavily affected by the flood, while the bridge linking Gaduwa and Durumi was inundated, leaving motorists stranded.
A customer at the event centre, Mr. Julius Okoro, said the flood occurred in less than a minute after the heavy rainfall, with the volume and speed of the water overwhelming the existing drainage system.
He disclosed that approximately 74 vehicles were submerged, although no loss of life was recorded.
The assessment comes amid growing concerns over Abuja’s vulnerability to intense rainfall, particularly in areas where drainage channels are inadequate, poorly maintained or obstructed by refuse.
NiHSA observed that although heavy rainfall was the immediate trigger, the severity of flash flooding can be influenced by several human and environmental factors, including rapid urbanisation, inadequate drainage capacity, obstruction of natural waterways, development on floodplains and poor waste management.
Residents also expressed concern over the conversion of designated waterways for residential and commercial developments, warning that the reduction of natural water-retention spaces could increase surface runoff and place additional pressure on drainage infrastructure.
The recent flooding affected several parts of the FCT, including Wuse 2, Katampe, Mabushi, Lugbe, Gwarinpa, Nyanya, Asokoro, Maitama, Utako, Wuye, Gudu and the Gaduwa-Durumi axis.
The Director-General/CEO of NiHSA, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, said the assessment would provide important technical information to support appropriate interventions and strengthen flood preparedness within the FCT.
He recommended channelisation of critical waterways, construction of bridges, improved drainage infrastructure and stronger protection of natural water channels.
The DG/CEO further stressed the importance of enforcing appropriate planning regulations and preventing developments that obstruct natural drainage routes and floodplains.
He called for stronger collaboration among FCT authorities, urban planners, emergency management agencies, communities and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that flood risks are addressed proactively.
NiHSA reiterated that its Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) and other hydrological advisories remain important early-warning tools for governments, communities and other stakeholders to prepare for and reduce flood risks.
The Agency urged residents to take flood warnings seriously, keep drainage channels free from refuse, avoid building or settling along waterways and floodplains, and refrain from driving or walking through floodwater.
NiHSA reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening hydrological monitoring, early warning, technical assessment and evidence-based flood risk management as part of efforts to build safer and more resilient communities across Nigeria.
