The Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, has defended the FCT Administration over the recent flooding recorded in parts of Abuja.
Olayinka said flooding had occurred in the nation’s capital before Wike became FCT Minister, arguing that it was unfair to blame the minister for Saturday’s incident.
In a statement on Monday, he said heavy rainfall caused flooding in some parts of the city, but the water later receded.
Olayinka said Abuja experienced flooding in parts of Wuse, Jabi and Lokogoma in 2019, while similar incidents were recorded in Lokogoma, Efab Estate, Gudu and some connecting bridges in 2022.
He attributed the recurring flooding partly to Abuja’s rapid expansion, which he said had increased pressure on drainage systems and other infrastructure.
The minister’s aide also raised concerns over blocked and damaged drainage channels, blaming the removal of drainage covers by scavengers for allowing refuse to enter the drainage system.
He said the FCT Administration was reviewing the 1979 Abuja Master Plan to address the needs of the growing city.
According to him, the administration is also introducing drainage covers designed to make them more difficult to remove.
Olayinka assured residents that the FCT Administration was taking steps to address drainage, waste management and urban planning challenges and improve the city’s preparedness for heavy rainfall.
