FCT: Rising concerns about environmental and health impacts of Dawaki’s ‘never-ending’ drizzles

By Faridat Salifu

In Dawaki and surrounding Abuja suburbs such as Gwarinpa and Kubwa, rainfall in recent weeks has been marked by frequent drizzles and moderate showers that linger for days without fully clearing.

The rain, though not intense, has been unusually persistent, saturating the ground and leaving behind surface dampness that returns almost daily with little relief.

Residents describe it as a “never-ending drizzle” not strong enough to cause immediate floods, yet consistent enough to disrupt daily life and create long-term environmental impacts.

Drainage systems in several parts of Dawaki are now overwhelmed, with stagnant water building up in culverts, streets, and open compounds.

Soil erosion is gradually weakening road shoulders and exposing foundations, particularly in sloped plots and areas with ongoing or uncompleted construction.

Urban flood risk is now rising, as the softened ground may no longer absorb rain water effectively if heavier downpours arrive, especially during the expected peak in August.

According to field research by NatureNews correspondents, more than half of surveyed Dawaki residents reported undergoing malaria treatment between May and June 2025, with many still experiencing symptoms.

Pharmacists and health workers operating in the area confirmed a marked rise in malaria cases since early May, especially among young children and elderly persons.

Health professionals attribute the surge in infections to the accumulation of stagnant water in domestic surroundings, which has created widespread breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Open containers, blocked gutters, disused tyres, and overgrown flower pots are now sustaining mosquito larvae across residential zones.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has consistently warned that clear, still water even in small amounts can trigger high mosquito density if left untreated.

Residents also face growing exposure to waterborne illnesses such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid, particularly in households that store water in uncovered containers or rely on shallow wells.

Overflows from poorly drained latrines and blocked communal toilets in low-income areas have compounded the risk of faecal contamination in the rainy weeks.

Public health officers are raising concerns over the spread of these diseases, as wet conditions persist and access to clean water remains limited for many.

Indoor health risks are also increasing as the constant dampness promotes mold growth on ceilings, furniture, and clothing, triggering asthma flare-ups and other respiratory issues.

Health officials in Dawaki said they have documented several complaints related to cough, breathlessness, and allergy symptoms in mold-affected homes in Dawaki and nearby neighborhoods.

Skin conditions including athlete’s foot, eczema, and foot rot are also being reported among children and adults who frequently walk barefoot or wear soaked footwear.

The rainfall situation in Dawaki reflects a broader weather pattern across Nigeria in 2025, where the rainy season began later than usual in several northern and central states.

Communities in Kaduna, Kano, Nasarawa, and the Middle Belt experienced delayed rainfall, receiving consistent showers only by late June or early July weeks after planting calendars had expected.

The Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had earlier forecast a late onset in the northern region, followed by above-normal rainfall totals across much of the country.

While rainfall has intensified in southern states such as Lagos, Rivers, and Cross River, the middle-belt and northern states are facing uneven and unpredictable rain distribution.

Some local government areas report severe waterlogging, while others remain dry, delaying planting or forcing farmers to replant crops like maize and millet.

In Abuja, NiMet data confirms a trend of frequent but low-intensity rainfall steady showers occurring almost daily, often interrupted by brief dry spells.

Experts attribute these shifts in rainfall to several interacting climate drivers, including the weakening of El Niño conditions, warming Atlantic sea surface temperatures, and land-use changes caused by deforestation and rapid urbanization.

Environmental scientists warn that these factors are not only disrupting rainfall timing but also altering local rainbelt behavior and storm formation.

In Dawaki and other low-lying areas of Abuja, early warning systems are now highlighting increased vulnerability to flash floods, especially between August and September.

The Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has already included the FCT in its 2025 flood risk map, citing poor drainage maintenance and rapid real estate expansion as key triggers.

Farmers and herders in affected areas are now adjusting practices, with many scaling back planting or relocating livestock due to poor pasture regeneration caused by inconsistent rainfall.

The expected “August Break” a short dry spell that typically occurs in late July may provide temporary relief in central Nigeria, according to NiMet.

However, authorities say it may be followed by heavier rainfall in August and September, which could worsen existing health and flood risks if proactive measures are not taken.

Health officials are urging residents to clear gutters, treat stored water, and use mosquito nets consistently to reduce infection risks.

Medical experts also advise early treatment for symptoms of malaria, diarrhea, and respiratory conditions to prevent complications during the wetter months ahead.

As the rainy season builds up toward its peak, Dawaki’s experience may serve as a microcosm of how urban settlements in Nigeria are confronting the environmental and public health effects of climate variability.