Nigeria's FCT launches flood preparedness drive in Gwagwalada and surrounding districts

The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FCTEMA) and the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) have identified flood‑prone communities in the capital region and begun a preparedness campaign. A stakeholder meeting was held in the Gwagwalada Area Council palace, attended by traditional leaders, officials from the National Emergency Management Agency and other agencies.

Officials, including Head of Forecasting, Response and Mitigation Dr. Mark Nyam, said climate‑related heavy runoff and illegal building on waterways are the main causes of flooding, dismissing claims that dams are to blame. The campaign targets Gwagwalada, Mabushi, Lokogoma, Abuja Municipal Area Council, Kuje, Kwali and Abaji, urging residents to avoid dumping waste in drains, maintain drainage channels and enforce land‑use regulations.

The effort follows directives from FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and aims to move from post‑disaster relief to proactive mitigation, with sanitation inspectors activated and community education on flood risks.