Water Crisis in Abuja: Allegations of Usuma Dam Supply Diversion Amid Growing Scarcity
Abuja residents are facing growing concerns over persistent water shortages following allegations that a significant portion of water from the Usuma Dam — the Federal Capital Territory’s primary water source — has been diverted away from public supply.
According to a report by Sahara Reporters, unnamed sources alleged that up to 70 percent of water meant for distribution across Abuja communities was being redirected to a private agricultural facility located in Ushafa, reportedly linked to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. The facility is said to bear the name of one of the minister’s sons.
The claims come as many households across the FCT continue to struggle with irregular water supply, forcing residents to rely heavily on private boreholes and commercial water vendors, often at increased costs. Areas in both the city center and satellite towns have reported weeks of low or nonexistent tap water, worsening daily living conditions.
However, officials within the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) have denied the allegations, maintaining that the ongoing water scarcity is primarily due to operational challenges, including maintenance works at treatment plants and power supply issues affecting water production and distribution systems.
Authorities insist that infrastructure rehabilitation efforts are underway to improve long-term supply capacity, while critics argue that residents continue to bear the burden of poor service delivery.
The controversy has further intensified public debate on transparency and accountability in the management of Abuja’s water resources, with many residents calling for an independent investigation to clarify the situation and ensure equitable distribution of water across the FCT.
As concerns grow, citizens and civil society groups are urging authorities to address supply challenges urgently, noting that reliable access to clean water remains critical to public health and urban living in Nigeria’s capital.
Source: https://bit.
