Abuja Residents In Danger? Lawmakers Grill NCDC DG Over Mysterious Chemical Leaks

The House of Representatives Committee on Environment has summoned the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Olajide Idris, to appear before it on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. This is in response to allegations concerning the emission of hazardous gaseous substances into the atmosphere within Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

According to a statement from Chooks Oko, Senior Legislative Aide and Head of Media to the Speaker, the invitation follows a petition received by the committee about chemical emissions in the Gaduwa area of the FCT, which have sparked serious environmental concerns among residents.

The statement emphasized that this action aligns with the House’s constitutional oversight functions and recognizes the NCDC’s crucial role in protecting public health.

It reads:
“The House Committee on Environment has invited Dr. Olajide Idris, Director-General of the NCDC, to address allegations related to the release of chemical substances into the air over Abuja. The petition submitted to the committee highlights dangerous emissions around the Gaduwa area, which have triggered widespread alarm among the public.”

The official invitation, dated June 19, 2025, and signed by Committee Chairman Hon. Michael Irom Etaba, requests the DG to provide detailed information about the origin and nature of the emissions, explain the NCDC’s involvement or response to the situation, and present any preliminary findings on the health risks posed to FCT residents.

Additionally, the DG has been asked to outline both immediate and long-term strategies by the NCDC to mitigate future occurrences.

The letter also instructed Dr. Idris to appear with relevant staff members and bring along all pertinent documents, reports, or technical materials that could assist the committee in its investigation and support its oversight responsibilities.