The Federal Government has blamed blocked drainage channels, manholes and sewage-related problems for worsening flooding in parts of Abuja.
The Federal Ministry of Environment made the disclosure after a technical assessment of the flash flood that hit Blantyre Crescent, Adetokunbo Ademola Way, Wuse II, on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
According to the ministry's technical report, an on-the-spot assessment carried out on August 17 found silt, solid waste and debris blocking several manholes and drainage inlets.
The blockages restricted the movement of stormwater and caused the drainage system to become overwhelmed during intense rainfall. The ministry said the heavy downpour generated rapid urban runoff, but the blocked drainage infrastructure prevented water from being evacuated efficiently.
Sewage Contamination Raises Concern
The ministry also raised concerns over evidence of sewage-contaminated water at several locations within Abuja City Centre.
It said the contamination could have resulted from cross-connections, drainage overflow or poor maintenance of wastewater and drainage networks.
The ministry has called for an integrity assessment of the affected systems to determine the source of the contamination and establish whether damaged or unauthorised connections are responsible.
FG Recommends Immediate Drainage Maintenance
The technical report recommended the immediate clearing and desilting of blocked manholes and underground drainage channels around the affected areas.
It also called for inspections of upstream and downstream sections of the drainage network to identify concealed blockages and prevent further flooding.
Beyond the immediate response, the ministry recommended a comprehensive assessment of underground stormwater infrastructure across Abuja, particularly in locations with a history of recurrent flooding.
It proposed that critical drainage facilities should be inspected and desilted before every rainy season, with additional checks during periods of heavy rainfall.
Digital Register Proposed
The ministry also recommended the creation of a digital register containing information on manholes, underground drainage channels, flood-prone areas and maintenance records.
According to the report, such a system would help authorities monitor drainage infrastructure more effectively and ensure that maintenance work is properly documented.
The ministry further called for regular joint monitoring by relevant FCT authorities and the Federal Ministry of Environment.
It warned that emergency clearing of blocked drains alone would not permanently resolve Abuja's recurring flooding problems, stressing the need for preventive and scheduled maintenance.
The ministry has therefore requested immediate intervention at Blantyre Crescent and the establishment of a comprehensive routine maintenance programme for underground stormwater infrastructure across Abuja City Centre.
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