Reps probe Waste Management collapse, streetlight failures in Abuja

By Gift Chapi-Odekina, Abuja

The House of Representatives has resolved to set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the immediate and underlying causes of the persistent waste management crisis and chronic streetlight malfunctions across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Lawmakers, on Thursday at plenary, expressed deep concern over the worsening state of environmental sanitation in Abuja, warning that the capital is fast descending into a public health and security emergency.

Moving a motion on the floor, Rep. Umar Ajilo, representing Makarfi/Kudan Federal Constituency in Kaduna State, painted a grim picture of the city, citing indiscriminate refuse dumping, blocked drainage systems, piles of solid waste littering public spaces, and widespread darkness caused by non-functional streetlights.

“The combined effect of accumulated waste, blocked drainage and sewage systems, and pervasive darkness from faulty streetlights is creating a dual crisis. It is transforming the nation’s capital from a modern city into a zone of public health emergencies and security vulnerabilities,” Ajilo said.

He described the situation as alarming, stressing the grave health implications for residents. “These unsanitary conditions have become breeding grounds for disease vectors such as mosquitoes and rats, leading to outbreaks of malaria, typhoid, cholera, and Lassa fever. They contaminate air and water sources, placing enormous strain on the health and well-being of millions, particularly women, children, and the elderly,” he warned.

Ajilo also highlighted the security risks posed by non-functional streetlights, which he said have created “a conducive environment for criminal activities such as armed robbery, kidnapping, and vandalism.” Many roads and pedestrian walkways, he added, have become dangerous at night, resulting in increased accidents and fatalities.

Leading the debate, Rep. Ahmad Jaha urged the House to empower the newly constituted ad-hoc committee to address the crisis decisively, describing conditions during the rainy season as appalling. “Mr. Speaker, especially during the rains, you will witness the severe flooding caused by blocked drains in Abuja,” he said.

While praising FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s performance, Jaha emphasized that infrastructure provision alone was insufficient, noting that proper management was “critical” to the city’s future. “Take it or leave it, hate him or like him, Wike is the best minister of the FCT we have ever seen,” he added.

Rep. Sada Soli, representing Jibia/Kaita Federal Constituency in Katsina State, took a sterner tone, insisting that the capital had degenerated into filth. “We must not abdicate our responsibility over the FCT. The city is filthy and endangers the health of residents and visitors,” he warned.

Soli criticised sanitation authorities for failing to act, lamenting that “the cleaners who used to maintain the city are off the streets.” He urged colleagues to inspect areas like Gwarimpa and Asokoro, noting that litter and blocked drains increase the risk of airborne and waterborne diseases and could strain Abuja’s health system further.

However, House Leader Rep. Julius Ihonvbere cautioned against exaggeration, calling for a more balanced assessment. “I accept the need to clean up the city and encourage citizen responsibility. But it is inaccurate to label the FCT as filthy. We must acknowledge ongoing efforts and provide constructive recommendations,” he said.

After deliberations, members broadly supported the motion, agreeing on the need for urgent action to restore cleanliness and ensure proper infrastructure management. The ad-hoc committee will investigate the causes of poor sanitation and widespread streetlight failures across the FCT, with findings expected within four weeks.

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