The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says it is taking measures to address recurring flooding in parts of Abuja following heavy rainfall that affected some areas of the capital on Saturday.

Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement on Monday while responding to criticism of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over the flooding.

Olayinka said flooding was not a new phenomenon in Abuja, noting that parts of Wuse, Jabi and Lokogoma were affected by heavy rainfall in 2019, while similar incidents occurred in Lokogoma, Efab Estate, Gudu and adjoining areas in 2022.

He attributed the recurring problem partly to the rapid expansion of the city, inadequate drainage and waste management, weak enforcement of planning regulations and the activities of scavengers who remove drainage covers, allowing refuse to enter and obstruct drainage channels.

According to him, the FCTA has commenced a review of the 1979 Abuja Master Plan to reflect the current realities and growth of the capital.

He added that the administration was also installing drainage covers designed to prevent scavengers from removing them, as part of efforts to reduce future flooding.