The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, is facing a hidden yet dangerous crisis: the widespread theft of manhole covers. What may seem like an act of petty vandalism has now evolved into a full-blown public safety and environmental emergency.
From Garki to Jabi, Mabushi, Kubwa, and Asokoro, residents and commuters are dealing with gaping manholes left exposed after covers are stolen—turning city roads into death traps.
A Growing Threat in the Capital
Many Abuja residents have had near-death experiences due to these uncovered manholes. In areas with poor lighting or during rainfall, these open holes become almost invisible, leading to accidents that result in injuries and even fatalities.
Mary, a resident of Garki, recounted her trauma:
“I was driving one night when my car plunged into an open manhole. The car flipped, and I barely made it out alive. These things are death traps.”
What’s Fueling This Crisis?
According to the FCT Police Command, the booming black market for scrap metal is the main driver behind this criminal trend. Manhole covers made of valuable metals are stolen and sold for quick cash.
The Acting Director of the Abuja Metropolitan Council (AMMC), Shaba Goshi, emphasized how the theft not only threatens lives but also disrupts traffic and city drainage systems. “These manholes are often 3 meters deep and can easily become fatal,” he said.
Environmental Consequences
Manhole covers are more than just metal lids. They protect the stormwater and sewage systems that prevent flooding. With these covers gone, drainage becomes blocked by debris, leading to water stagnation, mosquito breeding, and even the spread of waterborne diseases.
Dr. Austine Sadiq Okoh of Carbon Free Africa Network warned that areas like Jabi, Wuse, Zuba, and Suleja become more prone to flooding every rainy season due to these missing covers. In neighborhoods like Gwagwalada, it gets worse—untreated sewage can spill into nearby water sources, creating a health crisis.
A Blow to Abuja’s Climate Resilience
Experts also warn that the ongoing theft of manhole covers weakens Abuja’s ability to handle climate-related disasters. “Heavy rains are becoming more frequent due to climate change. If drainage systems are compromised, then flood risks increase,” said Dr. Okoh.
Areas like Karamajiji and Durumi also face soil erosion due to water pooling around open manholes, leading to land degradation and weaker green infrastructure.
Solutions and Government Response
Minister Nyesom Wike recently launched a Special Task Force to identify and clear out criminal hideouts and abandoned properties often used by manhole thieves.
The AMMC has also taken action, planning to switch to composite and fiberglass materials for future manhole covers. These alternatives are less attractive to thieves due to their low scrap value. The government also plans to brand and secure all new covers with anti-theft features.
Adedoyin Adeleke of Green Growth Africa advocates for more eco-friendly, tamper-resistant solutions—including installing CCTV cameras, designing locking manhole covers, and introducing harsher penalties for convicted vandals.
A Shared Responsibility
This isn’t just a government problem—it’s a societal one. Citizens are being urged to report vandalism, treat public infrastructure as community property, and help keep Abuja safe.
“The theft of manhole covers is not just theft—it’s an attack on safety, health, and our environment,” Adeleke said.
Do you live in Abuja? If you spot an uncovered manhole or see any suspicious activity, report it immediately. Share this story to raise awareness—saving lives could start with you.
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