Written by: Mariam Idris
The Climate and Sustainable Development Network of Nigeria (CSDevNet), in collaboration with United Youths 4 Environmental Sustainability Initiatives (UY4ESI), on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, convened a virtual webinar titled “Beyond Emergency Response: Building a Flood-Resilient Abuja.” The webinar brought together civil society actors, climate advocates, development practitioners and other stakeholders to examine the recurring flooding experienced across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and identify practical pathways for strengthening prevention, preparedness and urban resilience. The engagement followed a recently issued joint press statement by CSDevNet and UY4ESI calling for stronger urban resilience, risk reduction and responsible environmental governance in Abuja.
The webinar was organised against the backdrop of recent flooding across several parts of Abuja, which has disrupted transportation, affected businesses and livelihoods, damaged properties and placed additional pressure on low-income households, informal workers and other vulnerable populations. Participants noted that the increasing impacts of flooding raise fundamental questions about how the FCT is planned, developed and managed. Discussions highlighted the urgent need for improved maintenance and upgrading of drainage systems, stronger enforcement of environmental and urban planning regulations, protection of floodplains, wetlands and green spaces, improved early-warning and preparedness systems, and increased adoption of nature-based solutions.
In his welcome remarks, the National Network Coordinator of CSDevNet, Mr. Abu M. Stephen, urged participants to contribute extensively to the conversation, stressing that the webinar was intended to amplify the voice of civil society and serve as a wake-up call to the FCT Administration and relevant government agencies. He noted that addressing Abuja’s flooding requires moving beyond emergency interventions after disasters occur to sustained investments in prevention, planning and accountability.
“This conversation is about amplifying the voice of civil society as a wake-up call to the FCTA and relevant agencies. We must move beyond responding to floods after they occur and begin to invest seriously in prevention, preparedness, enforcement and long-term urban resilience,” he said.
Delivering the keynote address titled “Moving from Reaction to Prevention: Integrated Urban Governance and Community Partnership,” Dr. Priscilla Mbarumun Achakpa, Founder and Global Lead of the Women Environmental Programme (WEP), emphasised the need to place gender and communities at the heart of flood resilience. She noted that women, marginalised groups and communities disproportionately affected by climate-related disasters must not only be represented in decision-making processes but also have meaningful influence over policies, funding and implementation. Dr. Achakpa stressed the importance of shifting from reactive emergency response to proactive and anticipatory action, supported by inclusive governance, adequate resources and strong community participation. She further highlighted the need for effective early-warning systems that translate information into timely and practical protective measures. “Representation without influence is not inclusion. To build a truly climate-resilient future, gender must be at the centre of flood resilience, while early warning must become early action,” Dr. Achakpa stated.
The discussion on the Abuja Flood Resilience Strategy identified five strategic priorities for building sustained resilience: comprehensive flood-risk mapping; protection of wetlands, waterways and drainage corridors; inclusion of marginalised groups in planning; investment in preventive infrastructure; and annual measurement of risk reduction. Participants also stressed the importance of gender-responsive planning, effective early-warning systems and stronger coordination between government agencies and civil society organisations. The presentation called for fragmented interventions to be replaced with a unified, whole-of-city approach that combines scientific evidence, community experience and indigenous knowledge in developing practical solutions for Abuja.
Speaking on the need for an Abuja Flood Prevention Governance Mechanism, Mr. Richard Umar Founder, Community Development and Climate Care, highlighted weaknesses in sewage and drainage systems, inadequate enforcement of environmental regulations and the need for stronger institutional accountability. He called for a preventive governance framework involving government ministries, departments and agencies, local authorities, communities and civil society organisations. “Flood prevention cannot be the responsibility of one agency alone. MDAs, local governments and civil society must work collectively to ensure that environmental laws are enforced and that institutions are held accountable for the responsibilities assigned to them,” Richard said.
Addressing the factors contributing to Abuja’s growing vulnerability to flooding, Miss. Elona Erezi, Climate and Health Development Leader, noted that the challenge extends beyond increasing rainfall intensity. She identified the gradual distortion of the Abuja Master Plan, overburdened drainage systems and expanding economic activities that have resulted in development within water channels and low-lying areas. “Abuja’s flood vulnerability is not only about how much rain falls; it is also about how we have planned and developed the city. When natural waterways are blocked and development takes place in vulnerable areas, we increase the risks that communities face,” Elona stated.
Similarly, Mr. Musa Ibrahim founder UY4ESI, while discussing flood management strategies, stressed the importance of comprehensive flood-risk assessment, regular drainage maintenance, effective communication of early warnings and protection of Abuja’s green infrastructure. “Flood resilience requires us to understand where the risks are, maintain our drainage systems before emergencies occur, communicate warnings clearly and protect the natural infrastructure that helps the city absorb water,” he said.
The webinar concluded with a call for coordinated action among government, civil society, communities and development partners. Key recommendations included comprehensive flood-risk mapping across the FCT; year-round protection and maintenance of wetlands, waterways and drainage corridors; investment in green and grey infrastructure; stronger enforcement of development controls; protection of the Abuja Master Plan; gender-responsive warning and evacuation systems; improved waste management; and participatory approaches to relocation where necessary. CSOs were encouraged to conduct research and document the impacts of flooding, engage government with evidence-based solutions, sensitise communities, mobilise resources and strengthen accountability mechanisms. Participants further called for accessible early-warning communication through SMS, radio, WhatsApp, market associations, youth networks, religious and traditional institutions, ensuring that persons with disabilities are not excluded. The webinar reaffirmed that building a flood-resilient Abuja requires a fundamental shift from emergency response to prevention, anticipation and collective action, with urban resilience treated as a shared responsibility.