Following the level of insecurity in the nation’s capital, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Monday cleared over 1,000 illegal shanties obstructing the road corridor in Karsana, bordering Bunkoro District in Gwarimpa.
The Director of Development Control, FCTA, Muktar Galadima, disclosed this during a Citywide Sanitation Operation of the FCTA joint task force, targeted at squatters and “people of questionable character” who resided in the area.
Galadima, the operation had avoided homes of indigenous inhabitants in the area, stating, however, that the operation will continue until all 2-kilometers of the road stretch is completely cleared.
He said, “Today’s exercise is carried out along the proposed Ring Road 3 corridor at the intersection of N16 and RR3, where we have the Map global Estate. You can see the shanties, squatters and people of questionable character. So, as part of the Citywide Sanitation exercise to enhance security, that’s why we are here today to continue as planned.
“When you look at these structures, they are mostly made of shacks and temporary materials. So far, so good. We have cleared more than 1,000 around this place, and we are about to continue, because the work is enormous and the stretch of the road is as long as 2 kilometres, all consisting of shacks and shanties.
“We have had a discussion with relevant authorities, in which they have said that for now, the RR3 is not yet awarded, but the N16 has been awarded, and the work is in progress. We have been informed by the Department of Resettlement and Compensation that there are some indigenous communities on the corridor. That’s why we tried as much as possible not to interfere with the existence of such communities.”
The director, however, said further clearance activities will continue in collaboration with the Department of Resettlement to identify genuine properties belonging to indigenes.
“For tomorrow’s exercise to be smooth, we want our representative of Resettlement and Compensation to be with us, so that they can guide us and which is the indigenous communities. And those that are not indigenous communities, we can excuse them and tell them to move on,” Galadima added.
The FCTA Director, Command and Control Unit, Peter Olumuji, who represented the Director of Security, Adamu Gwary, said the operation highlighted the nexus between development control and security, adding, however, that no arrests had been made in the course of the operations.
He said, “Well, this Map Global Estate axis, which has other estates, has been a great source of concern for those residing within the estate. And you will know there is a nexus between development control and the security of their lives and property. And what we have seen here is that we noticed, because we have indigenous communities here, these criminal elements try to make shanties behind those indigenous communities to serve as a cover for their own shanties.
“And what we have done today, most of the residents who have passed through this place really praise the good effort of the FCT Administration. And like the Director has said, it is going to be a continuous clearance. We are not just going to leave it, we are going to take over this place.”
Liberia’s National Deaf Football Team yesterday trashed Togo 3-0 to cruise to the top of Group B at the on-going 13th West Africa Deaf Football tournament holding in Abuja.
Unlike the defending champions, the Deaf Eagles of Nigeria, that played a goalless first half against Cote d’Ivoire in their group A opening game on Thursday, Liberia tested the strength of their opponents with an early goal in the first half.
Though the goal was followed with many misses in front of the Togolese goal, the Liberian came into the second half charged like wounded lions and looking more purposeful in front of their opponent ‘s goal area with sporadic attacks.
Their determination and resilience eventually paid off in the 68th when the they were rewarded with the second goal and they pressed for the third and final goal of the match in the dying minute.
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has secured the conviction of 21 foreign nationals linked to a high-profile cybercrime syndicate uncovered in Abuja in November 2024.
According to the NPF, the breakthrough underscores its ongoing efforts to combat cyber-related crimes and safeguard national security.
On November 3, 2024, operatives acting on credible intelligence raided a building in Jahi, Abuja, as part of a broader crackdown on cybercrime.
The operation led to the arrest of 130 suspects—113 of them foreign nationals, mainly of Chinese and Malaysian origin, alongside 17 Nigerian collaborators.
Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said in a statement on Sunday that the suspects were implicated in large-scale internet fraud, hacking operations, and other offences capable of threatening Nigeria’s national security and economic stability.
“Following meticulous and painstaking investigations, the suspects were arraigned in court on December 2nd, 2024. The trial process, which involved the presentation of robust digital forensic evidence and expert testimonies, has progressed steadily through the judicial system. As of Friday, 1st August 2025, twenty-one (21) of the accused have been convicted and sentenced by the competent court of jurisdiction. Prosecution of the remaining defendants continues, with the Police working closely with the Ministry of Justice to ensure full accountability.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has reaffirmed the continuous dedication of the Force to intensifying the fight against all forms of cybercrime. He emphasized that the conviction sends a strong message to both local and international cybercriminal networks that Nigeria will not serve as a safe haven for criminal enterprises.
“The Force assures members of the public that it will continue to deploy cutting-edge technology, international collaboration, and diligent investigative processes to dismantle organized cybercrime groups. Further updates on the ongoing prosecutions will be provided as the cases progress in court.”
Abuja will on Wednesday host to a gathering of intellectual and political heavyweights at a public presentation of two books on the state of the nation.
The books, authored by renowned journalist, Ike Abonyi, will be unveiled at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Chairman of the Event Planning Committee, Alhaji Umar Sani, and its Secretary, Madu Onuorah, announced this in a statement yesterday in Abuja.
The statement said the two books, titled: The Bubbles of Nigeria’s Democracy: The Musings of a Nigerian Journalist and Wadata Wonders: Memoirs of a Partisan Journalist, are reflections on Nigeria’s political evolution and the author’s professional and partisan experiences.
It reads: “Abonyi is a distinguished journalist, former Group Political Editor and News Editor of ThisDay Newspapers, and pioneer Deputy Managing Director of New Telegraph Newspapers.
“Setting the tone for a robust conversation on Nigeria’s trajectory will be a keynote lecture, titled: “How Did We Get Here?” to be delivered by Chief John Nnia Nwodo, a former Minister of Information and immediate past President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
“The books will be reviewed by Mr. Martins Oloja, an accomplished journalist and former Managing Director of The Guardian Newspapers.
“The event will be chaired by seasoned banker and 2023 PDP presidential aspirant, Alhaji Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, who will lead a distinguished array of dignitaries and political actors.
“The Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, is expected to serve as the Chief Book Presenter, while Governors Peter Mbah of Enugu State and Seyi Makinde of Oyo State will act as co-presenters…
Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), is undergoing a sweeping transformation driven by an aggressive push to revive abandoned projects and execute new infrastructure with remarkable urgency. From expanding arterial highways to constructing flyovers and modern transport terminals, the FCT is rapidly evolving. NICHOLAS KALU and GBENGA OMOKHUNU report that with each new connection, the city is not only easing mobility but also laying the foundation for a more integrated, economically vibrant, and future-ready national capital
Abuja is undergoing an infrastructure transformation unlike anything seen in recent years—a coordinated construction push that is rapidly changing the city’s skyline, its pace, and potentially, its future. From the expansion of arterial highways to the erection of flyovers at key intersections, the Federal Capital Territory is in the midst of a renaissance that is being championed by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike. Since assuming office in August 2023, Wike has made infrastructure development the centrepiece of his agenda, pledging to revive abandoned projects and launch new, high-impact ones with speed and precision.
True to his reputation, Wike has combined political will with administrative urgency. He frequently inspects project sites, demands accountability from contractors, and ensures the transparent deployment of funds. Under his watch, the capital has become a living construction site—stretching from Gwarimpa to Wuye, and from Lugbe to Nyanya, where ongoing projects are not only visible but progressing at a pace that has surprised even the most cynical observers.
Critics may raise eyebrows at his style, but even opposition lawmakers and civil society organisations have admitted that the scale and speed of current infrastructure projects are unprecedented. For a city long burdened by traffic congestion, poorly connected districts, and abandoned road networks, the turnaround is striking.
More importantly, the development is not happening in isolation. The projects are interlinked, forming a deliberate strategy to connect distant communities, reduce travel times, and unlock new zones for residential, commercial, and economic activity. In once-forgotten areas, road construction is now driving new investments, reviving real estate markets, and injecting vitality into local economies.
Wike’s approach is proving that infrastructure is more than concrete and asphalt—it is a lever for inclusive growth. Abuja’s districts are not just being linked by roads; they are being reconnected to the promise of prosperity.
Reconnecting a city in motion
At the centre of this transformation is the ongoing construction and completion of flyovers and link roads that were either abandoned or stalled under previous administrations. From the Kuje-Gwagwalada dualisation to the massive flyover at Wuye Junction and the link roads connecting Idu Industrial Area to arterial routes, the intention is clear: Abuja is being restructured to support its swelling population, fast-paced growth, and strategic importance as the nation’s capital. Many of these projects, according to officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), had been in the blueprint since the early 2000s, but were repeatedly hindered by funding gaps, inconsistent policy execution, or lack of political will. The current push appears to be reversing that pattern, bringing long-forgotten projects back to life.
In Lugbe, the ongoing bridge construction over the Airport Road is not only easing movement into and out of Abuja’s city centre, but also drastically reducing the risk to pedestrians in a previously treacherous zone. Similarly, the expansion of the Nyanya-Karu axis is cutting travel time for commuters who would otherwise spend hours in gridlocked traffic, especially during rush hours. For residents like Ibrahim Bako, a civil servant who commutes daily from Gwagwalada to the Central Area, the changes have been transformational. “Movement is now so much easier. You can feel the difference, especially when the connecting flyovers remove bottlenecks that used to frustrate us every morning,” he said.
Beyond function, the ongoing projects are also making bold statements in architectural design. The new flyovers under construction, particularly in Wuye and Mabushi, are not just utilitarian slabs of concrete; they reflect modern design aesthetics that blend into the city’s topography. Observers have noted the use of multi-span viaducts and curved layouts that improve both the visual appeal and traffic flow of these structures. The flyover near the popular Wuye Market, for instance, incorporates landscaping and lighting designs that are already drawing praise from residents.
“Abuja is finally beginning to show signs of a well-planned city maturing into its purpose. What we’re seeing is not just concrete development, but the fulfilment of the original Abuja master plan albeit delayed. Infrastructure is supposed to guide how a city grows. These road and flyover networks are making that vision more real,” Mustapha Aliyu, a long time Abuja resident said.
Many of the projects making the most impact today are those that had long been abandoned or underutilised. The Apo-Gudu link road, stalled for nearly a decade, has recently seen renewed activity and is inching toward completion. Likewise, the Jahi-Katampe bypass and the Mabushi-Zuba corridor, both key to decongesting city traffic, have witnessed a revival under the current FCT administration. “Some of these projects have been on paper since Olusegun Obasanjo’s time. To see bulldozers on-site again is not just about development; it’s also restoring public confidence,” said one senior FCDA official who requested anonymity.
Perhaps the most immediate impact of the renewed road construction is on the cost and ease of transportation across Abuja. The interconnection of communities that were once isolated has created new, shorter routes, reducing both the distance and time required to get from one end of the city to another. Commercial drivers and transport unions in Abuja report a notable decline in fuel consumption due to reduced idling in traffic, and a drop in the average fare per trip across high-traffic zones like Mararaba, Kubwa, and Gwagwalada. “Before, we could only do four or five trips a day. Now, we are doing up to seven or eight. When the roads are good, we spend less on maintenance and make more money. Everybody wins,” said Musa Abdullahi, a cab operator based in Area 1 of Abuja.
This gain is not lost on the thousands of daily wage earners and low-income residents who depend on public transport. Improved mobility means easier access to jobs, markets, and schools, creating a ripple effect that touches virtually every sector of city life.
Despite the excitement, not everyone is cheering. There have been concerns about displacement, especially in areas where road expansion has required demolition of informal settlements or businesses. Human rights groups have called for a more humane resettlement policy and improved stakeholder engagement before demolitions are carried out. The FCT administration has responded by pledging to prioritise compensation and relocation where necessary, but it appears implementation remains uneven.
Despite the hurdles, there is growing optimism that Abuja is finally moving towards becoming a city that works, not just in theory, but in practical, liveable terms. The connecting roads and flyovers are not just smoothing traffic but symbolising a city reconnecting with its purpose. With the 2026 African Union Infrastructure Scorecard approaching, Abuja may soon have the credentials to be ranked among the continent’s more progressive capital cities, not only because of its aesthetics but for how well it serves its people.
Urban residents like Ifeoma Onuoha, a fashion entrepreneur based in Utako, believe the road revolution is long overdue. “It used to take me forever to deliver a dress from Utako to Lokogoma. Now it takes half the time. It’s not just development for development’s sake, it’s giving people like me a better life,” she said.
As cranes rise and traffic eases, the capital is clearly undergoing a facelift that reaches beyond the surface. In the race between neglect and renewal, Abuja is finally choosing to build. That FCT Minister has made significant strides in delivering projects in Abuja is not in doubt His vision is to create a road network that not only meets the needs of today but also anticipates the city’s future growth. This includes fast-tracking existing road projects that had stalled and initiating new ones to ensure seamless connectivity across the city.
Since assuming office in August 2023, Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has swiftly distinguished himself through a spate of transformative infrastructural projects reshaping Abuja’s landscape. Among his boldest moves is the commissioning of the Southern Expressway, now renamed Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way—a vital artery connecting the capital to the Kaduna-Abuja-Lokoja Federal Highway. Complementing this is the Wuye Bridge Interchange, which now facilitates seamless movement between Wuye and Wuse I districts, easing traffic in a formerly congested corridor.
Further strengthening urban mobility, Wike launched the Outer and Inner Southern Expressways—10-lane superhighways enhancing east-west connectivity and alleviating pressure on inner-city routes. He also flagged off Wole Soyinka Way (N20 Arterial Road), a 5.6km stretch with key interchanges at Kubwa and Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Expressways. Infrastructure delivery in Guzape District, including roads, stormwater drainage, and power supply, also points to his focus on opening up underdeveloped areas. In the transport sector, the commissioning of modern bus terminals in Kugbo and Mabushi and the Apo-Wasa Road project reflect efforts to modernise public transit and reduce congestion.
Although Wike has not specified the exact number of projects in the pipeline, he has cited major ongoing works, such as the rehabilitation of 366 roads in central districts, 120km of rural roads across the six Area Councils, and the streetlight upgrade along Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway. Under the stewardship of Wike, one of Abuja’s most vital thoroughfares—the Airport Road—is undergoing a major expansion designed to transform it into a modern, high-capacity expressway. This intervention is not merely cosmetic; it is strategic. By addressing persistent traffic bottlenecks, the project is set to enhance commuting efficiency for residents and visitors alike, improving access to the city from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. Wike, known for his hands-on governance style, is personally monitoring progress to ensure the project’s timely and quality delivery.
More than just expanding lanes, the reconstruction prioritises road safety and urban resilience. New features include clearly marked signage, modern street lighting, pedestrian walkways, and a robust drainage system to mitigate flooding during the rainy season. These enhancements are geared towards reducing road accidents and safeguarding both motorists and pedestrians. Beyond aesthetics and safety, the economic rationale is equally compelling. Better road infrastructure lowers logistics costs, improves travel time, and boosts investor confidence—factors that are crucial as Abuja positions itself more assertively as a national and regional economic hub. The Airport Road expansion, therefore, stands as both a physical and symbolic gateway to a more efficient, accessible, and economically vibrant capital city.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to arrive Abuja later tonight following a two-nation diplomatic tour that took him to Saint Lucia in the Caribbean and Brazil in South America.
His return was confirmed in a message posted on Saturday afternoon by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, on his verified X handle, @aonanuga1956.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu returns to Abuja today after his two-nation visit to Saint Lucia and Brazil,” the presidential aide stated.
The President departed Nigeria on Saturday, June 28 for what was described as a strategic outreach aimed at strengthening ties with regions historically under-engaged in Nigeria’s diplomatic matrix.
His first stop was Saint Lucia, where he made a historic visit to build new ties and explore emerging partnerships with Caribbean states.
While in Saint Lucia, Tinubu interacted with regional leaders under the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), reinforcing Nigeria’s growing interest in Caribbean diplomacy and South-South cooperation.
He subsequently proceeded to Brazil to participate in the 17th BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro.
On the sidelines of the summit, President Tinubu held a bilateral meeting with his Brazilian counterpart, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The leaders co-chaired the Nigeria-Brazil high-level bilateral meeting , where they discussed mechanisms to boost trade, infrastructure financing, and cultural cooperation between Africa’s most populous country and Latin America’s largest economy.
With the President’s return, focus is expected to shift to domestic engagements and follow-up actions on the diplomatic and investment commitments made during his foreign tour.
The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory, Abuja Command on Wednesday, graduated 200 fresh elite Corps as Emergency Response Team to respond proactively to emerging security threats within the FCT and its environs.
Speaking at the Headquarters of the FCT Command during the passing out parade of the elite team, the Commandant of Abuja Corps, Dr Olusola Odumosu, said the strength of the specially trained team has increased to 472, going by the previous training of 135 and 137 in the first and second batches, respectively.
Odumosu stressed the significance of training in weapon handling, intelligence gathering, discipline, basic training in sign language, tactical response, among others, to the operations of the Corps, saying that they have to adapt to emerging security situations in the FCT.
“Today’s event is not just another ceremonial gathering. It is a strong statement of our unwavering commitment to capacity building, operational readiness, and the overall enhancement of our internal security architecture within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),” Odumosu said.
He said the Command has organised different strategic training programmes for its personnel to fine-tune their skills and update their knowledge to enable them to consolidate on keeping the FCT safe and secure from the activities of criminal elements.
“The security landscape in the FCT is evolving, and so must we. The training of this batch is part of a carefully thought-out series of trainings designed to respond proactively to emerging security threats with precision, discipline, and professionalism”, he stated.
Odumosu said, “These trainings cut across Area Commands and Divisions, and the initiative is part of a broader vision to mould a responsive, versatile, intelligent, and elite Corps that can engage with the public in every corner of our society.
“Today, we are not just passing out personnel who have just concluded basic weapon handling training.
“We are flagging off our ‘Emergency Response Team” Another crucial phase of our transformation journey.
“This elite team will serve as a quick response unit, specially trained and tactically equipped to intervene swiftly in high-risk situations. We are deliberate in what we are doing, and our vision is clear: to build a Corps that is not only responsive but also anticipatory in approach”.
He praised the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike and the Commandant General of the Corps, Prof. Ahmed Audi, for their steadfast support, encouragement, and guidance, which made the Command a success story.
He, however, cautioned the personnel against misuse and mishandling of weapons, saying, “The rifle is not merely a weapon; it is a responsibility. It must not be misused. Let discipline, integrity, and professionalism be your watchwords at all times. The NSCDC uniform you wear is not for harassment or intimidation. It is for service.”
One person have been killed while three injured during a clash between the police and armed robbers in Abuja.
Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command on Monday foiled the robbery attempt in the Zone E Extension area of Apo Resettlement, Abuja.
The incident occurred around 10:30pm
The police got the hint following a distress call received from a commercial motorcycle rider in Apo Resettlement, reporting heavy gunfire in the area.
During the operation, the police said three persons were rescued with varying degrees of injuries inflicted by the attackers.
A light green Toyota Corolla with registration number GWA 620 AU, belonging to one of the victims, was recovered at the scene.
According to a statement on Tuesday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh: “the Divisional Police Officer of Apo Division, CSP Uchenna Igwebuike, immediately mobilized his Ambush and Surveillance Teams to the scene.
“The attackers engaged the police team in a fierce gun battle. In a swift tactical response, a reinforcement team led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Isyaku Sharu, arrived at the scene. The operatives responded with superior firepower, forcing the assailants to flee into the surrounding hills.
“A joint manhunt operation involving Police operatives and local vigilantes is currently ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
“All injured persons were immediately evacuated to Sahad Hospital, Apo Resettlement, for emergency medical care. Sadly, one of the victims later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead by medical personnel. His remains have been deposited in the hospital morgue.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao S. Adewale, extends his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and assures residents that the Command remains fully committed to protecting lives and property across the Territory.
“The CP also appeals to members of the public, especially residents of communities around Apo Resettlement and its environs, to report anyone seen with gunshot wounds or suspicious injuries to the nearest police station or via any of the Command’s emergency numbers: 08032003913 or 08028940883”.
He urged the public to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and continue supporting the Police in their fight against crime and criminality.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is safe contrary to the travel advisory issued by the United States government to its citizens, the Federal Government said yesterday.
Information and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Idris, in a statement assured Abuja residents of their security.
He stated that security agencies are working around the clock to ensure the continued safety and protection of all residents of the FCT and across the country.
Idris stressed that current security architecture in Abuja has not only been proactive but has also recorded significant successes in detecting, preventing and neutralizing threats.
The statement reads: “The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken note of the latest security advisory issued by the Embassy of the United States, restricting its staff and their families from non-official travel to military sites or other government facilities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
“While the Federal Government recognizes and respects the right of foreign missions, including the U.S. Embassy, to issue travel advisories to their citizens, it is important to state categorically that Abuja remains safe for citizens, residents, and visitors alike.
“Nigeria’s security agencies are working around the clock to ensure the continued safety and protection of all residents of the FCT and across the country. The current security architecture in Abuja has not only been proactive but has also recorded significant successes in detecting, preventing, and neutralizing threats.
“We understand that the U.S. advisory is based on general global developments and does not reflect any imminent or specific threat within the FCT. However, we reiterate to all diplomatic missions, investors, development partners, and the general public that there is no cause for alarm.
“The Federal Government wishes to reaffirm its commitment to the safety of all residents and to maintaining Abuja’s reputation as one of the most secure capitals in the world. Our security and intelligence agencies are monitoring developments across the country and are fully prepared to respond decisively to any threat.”
As the rains return, residents of Abuja brace for yet another season of floods. Authorities have stepped up preparedness—mapping high-risk zones, issuing early warnings, and urging residents to take precaution. Nicholas Kalu and Gbenga Omokhunu report that from clearing drains to planning diversions, efforts are underway to avert disaster and safeguard lives before the annual torrents strike
The rainy season has returned, and with it, a deepening sense of unease in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory. In Abuja, where thunderstorms now signal not just nature’s cycle but a looming threat, many residents are bracing for yet another round of flooding—an annual crisis that has come to define the season for vulnerable communities. Weather forecasts have already issued warnings of heavier-than-usual downpours in the coming weeks. For residents of flood-prone areas such as Trademore Estate in Lugbe, Lokogoma, Galadimawa, Karu, Gwagwalada, and sections of Bwari and Kwali, the first sign of rainfall is not met with relief—but dread.
“I don’t sleep once the rains begin,” says Gloria Ashedu, a longtime resident of Trademore Estate. “Last year, water poured into our home so quickly we had to climb on the bed and wait. Everything was destroyed. We were lucky to make it out.”
Her words are calm, but the trauma is unmistakable. The 2023 floods were particularly devastating, submerging roads, destroying homes, and trapping residents in rising waters. In parts of Lugbe and Lokogoma, entire streets vanished under floodwater. Vehicles were swept away. Schools and businesses shuttered. The floods turned daily routines into high-stakes survival, exposing just how vulnerable the city remains.
Trademore Estate, in particular, has become the face of Abuja’s urban flooding woes. Despite its organised layout and middle-class status, its location along a natural floodplain has made it a perennial victim of disaster. Over the years, residents have invested heavily in raising their properties, building culverts, installing pumps, and carving out channels—all in a bid to stay one step ahead of the next downpour. Yet, the water always returns, defying personal efforts and exposing the limits of private resilience.
Urban planners and environmental experts have repeatedly raised concerns about Abuja’s rapid and largely unregulated development. Estates have sprung up across low-lying areas, with little regard for flood mapping or environmental impact. Drainage systems are either absent or grossly inadequate. Even where government agencies issue warnings, enforcement is sporadic, and long-term solutions remain elusive. As the rains begin to fall again, the question looms: how many more flood cycles will it take before policy matches reality, and prevention becomes more than a seasonal afterthought? For now, residents like Gloria can only wait—and pray the waters don’t rise too high.
Further out in Galadimawa and Gwagwalada, the same story of anxiety and loss echoes through communities. Every rainy season, shops are submerged, schools temporarily shut their doors, and families are forced to abandon their homes in search of safer ground. In some neighbourhoods, children wade through knee-deep water just to catch a school bus. For the elderly—especially those living alone—a trip outside during a heavy downpour can pose a grave danger. “It’s not just about losing property,” says Mallam Tijani Aliyu, a long-time resident of Lokogoma. “It’s about the fear that grips you every time the sky turns dark. You don’t know how bad it’s going to be. You just wait—and hope your house is not the next one to go under.”
This fear, shared by many, is compounded by the visible neglect in drainage infrastructure across the city. In numerous districts, clogged and overflowing gutters have become the norm. Open drains spill over during storms, flooding streets and homes with rainwater and refuse. Residents point fingers at indiscriminate waste disposal, poor maintenance of drainage systems, and the unchecked sprawl of urban development.
Even in newer, more upscale estates, where buyers expect better planning and infrastructure, disillusionment runs deep. “You pay a premium to live in these places, believing you’re buying peace of mind,” says Temi Ogunleye, a homeowner in a mid-income estate near Lokogoma. “But once the rains begin, you realise the entire estate was designed without flood management in mind. Sometimes, it feels like we’re building our lives on sand.”
The toll of flooding goes beyond emotional trauma or temporary inconvenience—it exacts a heavy economic cost on the city. Traders lose their goods. Artisans can’t work. Streets become impassable, bringing transportation and commercial activity to a halt. In business hubs like Garki, Jabi, and Nyanya, even a brief but intense storm can shut down entire neighbourhoods for hours. What’s worse, the cycle appears to repeat each year with little official intervention. Emergency response often arrives late—if at all. And while residents patch up their homes and elevate their doorways, the larger systemic failures remain unaddressed.
Although various government agencies continue to pledge improvements in flood response, residents say the reality on the ground tells a different story. Drainage projects are frequently abandoned midstream, community sensitisation is minimal, and relief materials—when they arrive at all—come long after the waters have receded. “Government doesn’t live in these communities. We do,” says Abdulmumin Salihu, a mechanic in Karu. “They only talk on radio. When the rain comes, it’s every man for himself.”
The science reinforces these fears. Abuja’s natural topography—a blend of undulating terrain and crisscrossing fast-moving streams—makes it highly vulnerable to flooding. With unrelenting urbanisation, many of the city’s natural water channels have been narrowed, obstructed, or built over entirely. What were once gentle trickles now turn into violent torrents during the rainy season.
Experts have long warned that without a rigorously implemented city-wide master plan, Abuja’s flood crisis will continue to escalate. Yet, year after year, many communities remain dangerously exposed. In satellite towns such as Kuje and parts of Dei-Dei, residents have resorted to self-help—digging trenches, stacking sandbags, and fashioning makeshift flood barriers out of worn tyres and wooden planks.
At the grassroots, the feeling of abandonment is unmistakable. Small-scale private efforts—community task forces, volunteer emergency responders—have sprung up in some areas. But they remain underfunded, ill-equipped, and disconnected from any formal support system. In Kurudu, mothers huddle at dusk, peering anxiously into rising streams to decide whether their children can safely sleep on the floor or need to be lifted onto furniture propped up by concrete blocks. In Gwagwa, food vendors nervously watch the sky, praying the downpour won’t strike during peak hours—because when the flood comes, it washes away not just their goods, but their livelihoods.
As the rainy season peaks, more storms are expected between July and September. And with every downpour, the widening gap between government assurances and community realities becomes more glaring. For now, Abuja residents continue to brace for the worst—watching the skies, reinforcing their homes, and praying. Some have bought small water pumps and elevated their walls. Others have resigned themselves to fate. “It’s the same every year,” says Tijani Aliyu. “You prepare. You pray. You rebuild. And then it starts all over again.”
To say the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is making efforts to mitigate the impact of this year’s predicted severe flooding may be stating the obvious. But whether these steps are adequate or timely remains a pressing concern. Experts say that to effectively reduce the impact of flooding in the FCT, the administration must go beyond rhetoric—by enforcing building codes, upgrading drainage systems, improving waste management, and addressing the broader impacts of climate change. To its credit, the FCTA has emphasised community preparedness and public awareness, with efforts underway to ensure that residents know evacuation routes and basic safety protocols.
But the urgency of action became stark on May 29, when devastating floods struck Angwan Housawa in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State. The deluge submerged homes and farmlands, claimed lives, and displaced hundreds—underscoring the deadly consequences of unpreparedness. Within the FCT itself, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has identified nine flood-prone communities across different area councils. These include: Lokogoma (AMAC); Pegi (Kuje); Yaba, Gawu, and Guridi (Abaji); Gumbo and Paiko (Kwali); Kubwa and Usuma (Bwari).
The FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD) insists that precautionary measures have been put in place and that all relevant agencies are on alert to prevent large-scale disasters. Speaking with The Nation, the FEMD Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, said, “We normally rely on early warnings issued by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET). NIHSA has informed us that 1,249 communities across 176 local government areas in 30 states and the FCT are at high flood risk this year. With this information, we launched sensitisation campaigns and started engaging residents in vulnerable areas.”
However, while the message is getting out, the results on the ground remain mixed. In many of the named communities, residents continue to express concerns over poor drainage systems, unfinished flood control projects, and inadequate support during past flooding incidents. As Abuja’s climate vulnerability intensifies, the test lies not only in how swiftly government agencies respond to warnings, but in how effectively they empower citizens to face an increasingly volatile environment. For many across the FCT, it’s not just about rain—it’s about survival.
According to Isa, proactive steps have been taken in anticipation of the looming flood season. “This year, NIHSA provided us with a detailed outlook of potential flood-prone areas within the FCT. They also warned of likely flash floods across the territory. Based on that, we’ve been carefully studying the terrain and identified locations at heightened risk,” she said.
Among the areas highlighted by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency are Lokogoma, Pegi, Yaba, Gawu, Guridi, Gumbo, Paiko, Kubwa, and Usuma—communities already familiar with the annual toll of torrential rains. “We’ve been educating residents on what to do before, during, and after the rains,” Isa explained. “We’ve advised them to clear their drains, remove obstructions from water channels, and those whose houses are dangerously close to waterways have been told to consider relocating to safer, elevated ground.”
With predictions that June will see intense rainfall, the department has intensified its public sensitisation efforts, using radio and television platforms to reach residents. “We’ve been warning people not to drive through flooded roads. It only takes a few minutes of heavy downpour for disaster to strike,” she said.
Isa also recounted FEMD’s swift response to the tragic flooding that occurred in Mokwa, Niger State, on May 29. “Immediately, we activated our town criers and local divers across the area councils and in other flood-prone zones. It’s part of our grassroots alert system.” She expressed concern over ongoing construction on waterways in certain parts of Abuja. “In some communities within AMAC, especially around Apo-Dutse, people are still building on water channels. We’ve flagged these violations and reported them to the relevant security agencies.”
In a more immediate intervention, she revealed, “We are planning to block a major road near Galadimawa Roundabout to curb the flow of floodwater in that axis. Our search and rescue team is also on standby. They’ve undergone recent training sessions to ensure rapid response when emergencies arise.” Encouragingly, Isa noted a growing sense of responsibility among some residents: “In several of the communities we’ve visited, we’ve seen people clearing out their drains. That kind of awareness and action is what we’re working to promote.”
