Kingibe Accuses Wike of Worsening Abuja Flooding, Warns Against Blocking Waterways
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Edeh Thompson Amaobi
ABUJA, FCT — Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ireti Kingibe, has criticised the administration of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over what she described as worsening flooding and environmental challenges in Abuja.
Kingibe raised the concerns while speaking on the recurring flooding experienced in parts of the nation’s capital, attributing the situation partly to ongoing developments on areas she said were originally designated as green spaces, natural floodplains and drainage corridors.
The senator said the continued alteration of such areas was increasing the vulnerability of communities across the FCT to flooding, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
According to her, natural waterways and drainage routes that previously provided outlets for stormwater have been blocked, narrowed or otherwise affected by urban development.
She warned that restricting the natural movement of water could worsen flooding and expose residents, properties and public infrastructure to avoidable risks.
Kingibe also raised concerns about what she described as unchecked urban encroachment in the Federal Capital Territory, arguing that developments must be subjected to proper planning and environmental considerations.
She maintained that her concerns were not motivated by partisan politics, stressing that issues affecting public safety and the implementation of the Abuja Master Plan should be treated as matters of public interest.
The senator said the FCT’s rapid urban expansion required greater attention to drainage infrastructure, environmental protection and the preservation of natural floodplains.
She further argued that development without adequate consideration for the city’s original planning structure could create long-term environmental challenges for residents.
Abuja was designed under a master plan intended to guide the orderly development of the Federal Capital Territory, including the allocation of residential, commercial, recreational and environmental areas.
However, the rapid expansion of the capital has increased pressure on available land, infrastructure and drainage systems, raising concerns over development in areas considered environmentally sensitive.
Kingibe’s criticism comes amid recurring concerns over flooding in different parts of Abuja during periods of intense rainfall. Flooding in urban areas can be aggravated by inadequate drainage capacity, blocked waterways, indiscriminate development, poor waste disposal and the loss of natural water-retention areas.
The senator therefore called attention to the need for authorities to ensure that development projects do not compromise established drainage channels or natural flood pathways.
She stressed that protecting the city’s environmental infrastructure should remain an important component of urban planning and governance.
Kingibe also linked the issue to the broader need to preserve the integrity of the Abuja Master Plan, which provides a framework for the development and organisation of the capital city.
Her position places renewed focus on the balance between infrastructure development and environmental protection in the FCT, where construction and population growth have continued to expand.
The senator said government authorities should take steps to address developments that obstruct natural waterways and ensure that existing drainage systems are not compromised.
She maintained that effective urban planning should prioritise public safety and long-term sustainability rather than allowing short-term development interests to override environmental considerations.
The dispute also highlights the broader responsibility of relevant authorities to coordinate physical planning, environmental regulation and infrastructure development across the FCT.
For Kingibe, addressing the flooding challenge requires more than emergency responses after rainfall. She argued that preventing the obstruction of natural waterways and enforcing planning regulations are essential to reducing the risks associated with flooding.
As the rainy season continues, the concerns raised by the senator are expected to keep attention focused on drainage infrastructure, flood management and compliance with Abuja’s development plan.
