Recurring flooding across parts of the Federal Capital Territory has renewed concerns about the implementation of Abuja’s master plan, drainage infrastructure and land allocation processes.
Heavy rainfall on September 1 affected major routes, including the Airport Road and Lugbe axis, Nile University Junction, Airport Junction and Wuye.
The flooding disrupted traffic, forcing motorists to slow down or seek alternative routes as water accumulated along major roads.
The latest incident occurred barely two weeks after similar flooding affected parts of Abuja, prompting renewed questions about the effectiveness of measures to address the recurring problem.
Wike’s Demolition Exercise Under Scrutiny
The flooding comes amid enforcement measures by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, including the demolition of structures allegedly obstructing waterways, drainage channels and designated green areas.
The FCT Administration has maintained that developments blocking natural water channels contribute to flooding and must be removed to restore the movement of water.
The administration has also launched investigations into flooding along the Airport Road and Lokogoma corridors. The exercise includes assessments of drainage systems, development activities and possible violations of the Abuja Master Plan.
However, residents and property stakeholders have called for a broader response involving improved drainage infrastructure, stricter planning enforcement and the restoration of natural waterways.
Expert Questions Land Allocation And Approvals
Real estate expert and Executive Director of the Housing Development Advocacy of Nigeria, Barrister Festus Adebayo, said the demolition exercise raises important questions about Abuja’s credibility as a real estate investment destination.
Adebayo acknowledged that structures built on waterways, drainage channels, road corridors and other prohibited locations should not be protected solely because investors have spent money on them.
However, he questioned how such structures received land allocations, building approvals and other official documentation in the first place.
He asked who allocated the land, approved the building plans and allowed construction to continue before declaring the developments illegal.
According to him, addressing only property owners and developers without investigating institutional failures could weaken confidence in Abuja’s property market.
Property Investors Demand Greater Certainty
Adebayo warned that inconsistent enforcement and unclear documentation could discourage local investors, Nigerians in the diaspora, institutional investors, mortgage lenders and foreign capital.
He said property buyers should be able to verify land titles, approved land use, building permits and whether a property sits within a restricted corridor before committing funds.
He called for a transparent, digitally accessible property verification system to reduce confusion, conflicting documents and costly investment mistakes.
Adebayo also urged the FCT Administration to strengthen inter-agency coordination, investigate officials who facilitate unauthorised developments and provide clear information to the public.
“Government must enforce the Abuja Master Plan, but it must also build a system where investors can trust government documentation,” he said.
He further advised developers to comply with planning regulations and property buyers to conduct proper due diligence.
FCTA Begins Drainage-Clearing Exercise
Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory Administration has commenced drainage-clearing operations as part of efforts to reduce flooding.
The Federal Capital Development Authority has also said Abuja’s drainage infrastructure was designed to handle heavy rainfall, while human activities could undermine its effectiveness.
The recurring flooding has continued to focus attention on the relationship between urban expansion, drainage capacity, natural waterways and enforcement of the Abuja Master Plan
