Preventing an Imminent Water Supply Crisis in the FCT

Water is essential for life, and the FCT Water Board, which is responsible for delivering safe, sufficient, and affordable water supply to Abuja, is recognized as one of the top potable water providers not only in Nigeria but also in the West African region.

This situation has led to rising concerns regarding the prospect of water shortages that are creating anxiety among residents in the Abuja City Centre and various surrounding towns.

As the year 2026 begins, inhabitants of the FCT anticipated enhancements in utility services, yet they are now facing unexpected water shortages, primarily due to issues with the Lower Usuma Dam, located in the Ushafa area of Bwari Council.

The Lower Usuma Dam, which is a vital source of water for the city, has a reservoir capacity of 120 million liters of untreated water and is crucial for providing water to Abuja residents. However, the FCT Water Board is contending with several challenges, including the failure to desilt the Lower Usuma Dam, which has remained untouched since its establishment in the 1980s.

Moreover, the regular transfer of raw water from Gurara Dam, which previously happened monthly, has decreased to once a year, with no transfers of potable water since October 2025. This has resulted in the dam currently functioning at only half its capacity.

An additional pressing issue is that the water from the Lower Usuma Dam designated for the Water Treatment Plants—essential for producing and distributing potable water throughout Abuja—is being rerouted by the SCC, ultimately compromising the plants’ necessary capacity. It is anticipated that this current water crisis may become more severe due to the inefficiencies at these water treatment plants, which are not operating at full capacity, despite a rehabilitation contract awarded to Messrs SCC Nigeria Limited.

In a historic first, the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has cut power to the Lower Usuma Dam, citing non-payment of utility bills by the FCT Administration. AEDC has also started disconnecting power to other significant facilities within the FCT, such as the Bwari General Hospital, in an attempt to recover funds owed.

After the electricity disconnection occurred earlier this year, the FCT Water Board had to rely on two diesel generators to operationalize the turbines at the Lower Usuma Dam. Unfortunately, these generators were inadequate for efficient operation, with one already failing, which has reduced potable water production to below 40%.

Residents of Bwari, where the Lower Usuma Dam is situated, are becoming increasingly concerned about security, as the power outages are reigniting fears of kidnappings that had plagued the area in the recent past, despite the presence of the SSS.

Other issues faced by the Water Board include the irregular supply of water treatment chemicals, which are now being delivered in smaller amounts by contractors who do not adhere to proper treatment protocols.

Due to these shortcomings, there is a looming possibility of an interruption in potable water supply across the FCT, as only two treatment plants remain operational. This situation has already led to water rationing in areas like Life Camp, Gwarinpa, Garki, Wuse 1 and 2, and Apo.

The FCT Minister must be reminded that consistent water supply is a critical component of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and sufficient water provision is just as significant as well-maintained road infrastructure.

Ultimately, the question remains: who will address the immense difficulties faced by FCT residents caused by irregular water shortages and the operational challenges within the FCT Water Board to bring much-needed relief to Abuja inhabitants?