By SUNTV Global Channel
January 30, 2026
News
Emerging revelations from insiders within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) water supply system have linked the persistent water shortage across Abuja to alleged decisions taken under the administration of FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Multiple sources familiar with water distribution operations told SUNTV Global Channel that a substantial volume of water from the Lower Usuma Dam—estimated at up to 70 per cent—was allegedly diverted to Jordan Farms, a large-scale agricultural facility in Ushafa reportedly owned by the minister and named after his first son.
According to the sources, this diversion left only a limited fraction of treated water available for distribution to Abuja residents, worsening an already fragile supply situation.
“Up to 70 per cent of water from Usuma Dam is allegedly directed to the minister’s mega farm and resort at Ushafa, while the rest is rationed across the city,” one source said.
“The thinking was that Abuja residents are already used to boreholes and would not raise serious complaints.”
Power Failure, Diesel Delay Deepen Crisis
Further investigations revealed that water treatment and distribution plants were severely crippled by prolonged power outages. Sources said approvals for emergency diesel procurement—estimated at ₦150 million—were delayed due to the minister’s absence.
At the time, the minister was reportedly engaged in political developments in Rivers State. By the time approval for diesel was eventually granted, insiders said critical infrastructure had already shut down.
“There was no public power supply and no diesel to run the plants,” a source disclosed.
“By the time approval came, pipelines supplying both the city and the farm had already run dry.”
The shutdown, according to officials familiar with operations, directly contributed to the widespread water shortages now affecting large parts of the FCT.
Residents Cry Out as Farm Allegedly Gets Priority Supply
Residents of Ushafa community, located close to the Usuma Dam, expressed outrage over what they described as unequal access to water.
One resident told SUNTV Global Channel that despite living near the dam, most households in the area lack running water.
“About 90 per cent of houses in Ushafa don’t have water—even homes right beside the dam,” the resident said.
“Yet the farm, which just began operations days ago, receives steady water for irrigation.”
Another resident added that the farm is directly connected to the dam and conducts intensive irrigation, raising concerns about prioritisation of private interests over public welfare.
Access Denied, Allegations Disputed
When reporters visited the alleged farm in Ushafa, access to the facility was denied. Efforts to independently verify the volume of water supplied to the farm through dam officials and water board staff were unsuccessful.
Reacting to the allegations, the FCT Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, dismissed claims of water diversion.
“Have you personally seen water being diverted to this farm?” he asked.
“If such diversion exists, there should be visible pipelines or clear evidence.”
He also questioned the basis of the claims, noting that water supply remains available in some parts of Abuja.
“I live in Abuja and used water this morning. If water was truly being diverted, the evidence would be obvious,” Olayinka said.
Abuja’s Lingering Water Emergency
Despite official denials, Abuja has continued to experience a prolonged and severe water crisis stretching into early 2026. Thousands of residents remain dependent on private water vendors, often at exorbitant costs, as taps run dry across several districts.
Experts attribute the crisis to a combination of factors, including poor power supply to pumping stations, ageing infrastructure, shortage of treatment chemicals, weak maintenance culture, and mounting electricity debts.
In early January, the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) disconnected power supply to the FCT Water Board over unpaid bills exceeding 12 months, plunging facilities—including the Lower Usuma Dam—into darkness and halting water production.
Following public outrage, AEDC restored power on January 18, granting the Water Board a conditional reconnection with a two-week deadline to present a credible repayment plan. The company warned that failure to comply could result in another disconnection.
As investigations continue, residents are demanding transparency, accountability, and immediate action to restore reliable water supply to Nigeria’s capital.
