By Olokuta Rofiat
As torrential rains continue to wreak havoc across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), residents are demanding urgent and lasting flood-control measures, accusing authorities of relying on warnings without real solutions.
From Lugbe to Nyanya, Gwagwalada, Asokoro, and Kuje, citizens lament that despite repeated alerts from the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet), and the National Flood Early Warning System, roads still collapse, houses are submerged, and lives are put at risk each year.
In Trademoore Estate, Lugbe, Gloria Ashedu described the crisis as a recurring nightmare. “Every year we wait, and every year the water comes,” she said, accusing officials of paying lip service to residents’ safety.
Community leaders insist that beyond early alerts, government must adopt practical measures, including retention ponds, evacuation centres, strict enforcement of building laws, and regular clearance of blocked drainages.
In Nyanya, Helen Ani urged authorities to introduce fines for indiscriminate dumping and establish stronger communication systems during emergencies.
Although the federal government recently set aside ₦15 billion under the Anticipatory Action Framework to adopt a proactive approach, residents say little has changed. They point out that no visible retention basins, safe shelters, or emergency equipment have been provided in high-risk areas.
Some communities have, however, recorded modest progress. In Lugbe, a Flood Watch WhatsApp group and drainage expansion by the Abuja Environmental Protection Board reportedly cut flood incidents by 40 percent since mid-2024, showing that coordinated action can yield results.
Still, residents insist more decisive steps are required: consistent drain clearance, removal of illegal structures on waterways, provision of safe shelters, and training of local responders.
As rains intensify, their warning is blunt, Abuja cannot continue the cycle of predictable rain but unpredictable floods. What they want is clear: concrete action, not empty promises.
