Floodwaters have taken over Maitama Extension in Abuja, with residents saying the flooding worsened after a major canal in the area was covered to make way for the construction of buildings allegedly linked to the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Ibrahim Mohammed Bomai.
The flooding has reportedly affected several properties in the area, including the residence of Kano State Deputy Governor, Murtala Garo, and the residence of a former Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Ehigiator Arase, leaving residents worried about the safety of their families and properties.
Residents who spoke to SaharaReporters described the situation as a direct consequence of the obstruction and covering of a major canal that had previously served as a channel for stormwater.
According to the residents, the canal was covered and development was subsequently carried out on a green area and the canal corridor.
“They covered a very big canal,” one of the affected residents told SaharaReporters while describing what residents believe contributed to the flooding.
“And this is the result,” the resident added, pointing to the floodwaters that have taken over parts of the neighbourhood.
The resident identified the flooded property as the residence of Kano State Deputy Governor and former Inspector-General of Police.
“One of the places affected is the residence of the deputy governor of Kano, Murtala Garo and another one is the residence of former IG Solomon Ehigiator Arase,” the resident said.
Residents further stated that Senator Bomai constructed as many as 14 duplexes on the area where the canal and green area were located.
“He built 14 duplexes on the green area and the canal,” the resident siad.
The residents expressed concern that the alteration of the drainage system has now placed families and properties in the area at serious risk whenever heavy rainfall occurs.
“It is putting our family in danger,” the resident said.
“We are just heartbroken,” another affected resident said.
The residents have also turned their criticism towards the administration of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, accusing the FCT authorities of allowing drainage channels, canals and waterways in Abuja to be altered or covered for the benefit of politically connected individuals.
They explained that the FCT administration has allowed drainage infrastructure and waterways to be allocated or made available to politicians and other influential individuals for the construction of estates and other developments.
“Flood is everywhere in Abuja,” one resident said.
The resident further accused Wike of allowing “the drainages, canals and waterways to his cronies and politician friends for building estates.”
The residents said the flooding in Maitama Extension should not be viewed as an isolated incident, arguing that blocking or narrowing natural drainage channels can leave surrounding communities vulnerable during heavy rainfall.
On January 23, 2026, SaharaReporters reported that Wike had been accused of allocating a designated green area in Maitama Extension, Abuja, for the construction of luxury residential buildings, in clear violation of the Abuja Master Plan.
The land is reportedly located right by Ukachukwu Close, near the Maitama Extension.
The disputed land, which was said to be a protected green zone meant to serve as a natural buffer and drainage corridor, was allegedly being developed into a high-end residential estate consisting of about 20 duplexes.
SaharaReporters learnt that the development raised concerns among residents, who warned that the project could lead to severe flooding and long-term environmental degradation in one of Abuja’s most prestigious districts.
Reacting to developments, Nigerian human rights activist and lawyer Deji Adeyanju condemned the construction, describing it as an act of institutionalised greed that places private profit above public safety and environmental sustainability.
Adeyanju explained that developers had fenced off the green area and commenced massive construction activities, despite the land’s original designation as a non-developable zone.
(SaharaReporters)