Water Crisis Deepens After 70% of Usuma Dam Supply Is Diverted To Wike’s Farm
Emerging details from sources familiar with water supply operations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have linked the persistent water shortages across Abuja to decisions taken by the FCT Administration under Minister Nyesom Wike.
According to multiple sources, a significant portion of water allocated to the FCT was allegedly diverted to Jordan Farms, a large-scale agricultural facility reportedly owned by the minister and located in the Ushafa area. The farm is said to be named after Wike’s first son.
A source claimed that as much as 70 per cent of water from the Usuma Dam—the primary water source for Abuja and parts of neighbouring Niger State—was redirected to the farm, leaving only a limited supply for the rest of the city. The source alleged that the decision was based on the belief that Abuja residents had become accustomed to relying on private boreholes and would therefore raise little opposition.
“He diverted 70 per cent of the water meant for the FCT to his mega farm and resort near Ushafa and allowed the rest to serve the city. He feels Abuja residents are already used to boreholes and will not complain,” the source said.
The situation was reportedly worsened by power supply challenges affecting water treatment and distribution facilities. Sources alleged that delays in approving diesel procurement—estimated at about ₦150 million—crippled operations at key plants. It was further claimed that no alternative power supply from the national grid was available at the time.
According to one source, approval for diesel procurement could not be granted because the minister was away, allegedly preoccupied with political developments in Rivers State. By the time approval was eventually given, critical infrastructure had already shut down, causing pipelines supplying both the city and the alleged private facility to run dry.
“To power the plants, there was no diesel and no public electricity supply. Wike was not around to approve ₦150 million for diesel because he was away for the battle with the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara,” the source said.
“When he returned and approved the money, it was too late. There was no water. The pipes to both the city and his farm had dried up. That is why residents are crying about water shortages across the FCT.”
When our reporter visited the farm, access to the facility was denied. Attempts to obtain information from workers at the dam and to independently verify the proportion of water allegedly supplied to Jordan Farms were unsuccessful.
Residents of the area, however, expressed concern over what they described as uneven access to water. One resident said the farm engages in intensive irrigation and receives water directly from the Usuma Dam.
“The farm is very close to the dam that supplies the entire FCT and even parts of Niger State,” the resident said.
Another resident added, “About 90 per cent of houses in Ushafa do not have water. Even my house, which is right beside the dam, has no water. Yet the farm, which only started operations a few days ago, gets water regularly.”
Reacting to the allegations, Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the FCT Minister, denied that water was being diverted to any private farm.
“You are saying water is being diverted to a farm. Have you personally been there?” he asked.
“If water is truly being diverted, there should be visible pipelines or connections. People should be able to see it.”
Olayinka also questioned the claim that Abuja was experiencing widespread water scarcity, stating that he had access to water.
“You say there is water scarcity in Abuja, yet I live in Abuja and used water this morning. Then you say the scarcity is because water is being diverted to a farm. If that were true, there would be clear evidence,” he said.
Meanwhile, several parts of the FCT have continued to experience severe and prolonged water shortages stretching into early 2026. Thousands of residents have been left with dry taps and are increasingly dependent on expensive private water vendors.
Authorities and industry stakeholders have identified multiple factors contributing to the crisis, including inadequate power supply to pumping stations, poor maintenance of dams, shortages of water treatment chemicals, and broader infrastructure and management challenges within the water sector.
In early January, the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) disconnected electricity supply to the FCT Water Board over unpaid bills, effectively halting water production and distribution in many parts of the capital. AEDC said the Water Board had accumulated more than 12 months of outstanding electricity bills despite repeated notices.
Following public outrage, AEDC ordered the reconnection of power supply on January 18. In a statement, the company’s Head of Brand Marketing and Corporate Communications, Omede Odekina, said the reconnection was approved by the Acting Managing Director and CEO, Engr. Chijioke Okwuokenye, to allow for the restoration of water supply.
AEDC said the reconnection was conditional, giving the FCT Water Board two weeks to present and begin implementing a credible payment plan. The company warned that failure to meet the agreed terms could result in another disconnection, in line with regulatory guidelines.
