The Federal Ministry of Environment has blamed blocked manholes and underground drainage channels for worsening the flash flood that occurred at Blantyre Crescent, off Adetokunbo Ademola, Wuse II, Abuja, on August 15, 2026.
The ministry said silt, solid waste and debris discovered in several manholes and drainage inlets restricted the free flow of stormwater, causing the drainage system to overflow during the heavy rainfall.
This was contained in a technical report prepared by the Department of Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management after an on-the-spot assessment of the affected area on August 17. The inspection was conducted by a technical team led by the department’s Director, Usman Abdullahi Bokani, following a directive from the Minister of Environment.
According to the report, the intense rainfall generated rapid urban runoff, while blocked drainage inlets and restricted underground channels prevented the system from efficiently evacuating the stormwater. This resulted in hydraulic surcharge, backflow and the accumulation of water on the surface.
The ministry also raised concerns over evidence of sewage-contaminated water at several locations within the Abuja City Centre. It said the contamination could be linked to cross-connections, drainage surcharge or poor maintenance of the drainage and wastewater networks.
It recommended a comprehensive integrity assessment of the affected networks to identify the source of the contamination and determine whether damaged or illegal connections existed. The report described the Blantyre Crescent flooding as an indication of a wider challenge involving the maintenance of drainage infrastructure across the Federal Capital City.
Among its recommendations, the ministry called for the immediate clearing and desilting of affected manholes and underground drainage channels, as well as the inspection of upstream and downstream sections for concealed blockages.
It also proposed a comprehensive assessment of underground stormwater infrastructure across Abuja City Centre, especially in locations with a history of recurrent flooding. The ministry recommended that critical drainage facilities should be inspected and desilted before every rainy season, with additional checks during periods of heavy rainfall.
To improve infrastructure management, the report further recommended the creation of a digital register containing information on manholes, underground drainage channels, flood-prone areas and maintenance records. It also urged the relevant FCT authorities and the Federal Ministry of Environment to carry out joint periodic monitoring of drainage infrastructure and maintenance activities.
The ministry warned that emergency clearing alone would not provide a lasting solution to Abuja’s flooding challenges, stressing the need for a shift towards preventive and scheduled maintenance. It consequently sought approval to formally communicate its findings to relevant FCT environmental and development authorities and secure immediate intervention at Blantyre Crescent.
The technical team included Bokani as team lead, alongside Engr. Attah Abdullahi, Engr. Feyisetan Ayomiposi and Engr. Isa Yahaya.
