By Ayomide Otitoju
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Minister of Works, David Umahi, have dismissed claims that the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is responsible for flooding in parts of Lagos, describing the allegations as false and misleading.
The duo spoke during a courtesy visit by the minister and members of the National Assembly to the governor, where they reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the landmark infrastructure project.
Sanwo-Olu commended the Federal Government for delivering what he described as a transformative project that would boost economic growth and improve the quality of life of Nigerians.
He noted that the Coastal Highway, once dismissed by many as a political promise, has become a reality.
“Two years ago, it felt like it was just a political conversation, but today people are already using the road. We thank Mr. President for this landmark project. Lagos has been the first major beneficiary, and we are indeed grateful because it will enhance the quality of life of our people and improve the economy of the country,” the governor said.
Addressing concerns over flooding, Sanwo-Olu explained that Lagos’ coastal geography makes seasonal flooding unavoidable, noting that about one-third of the state’s land area is covered by water.
He said heavy rainfall can temporarily overwhelm drainage systems but maintained that floodwaters usually recede after some time. The governor accused some social media users of creating misleading impressions by sharing images taken during peak flooding without showing conditions after the water had subsided.
He also blamed indiscriminate waste disposal and blocked drainage channels for worsening flooding, adding that the state would continue enforcing environmental regulations, including the ban on styrofoam, while introducing additional measures to protect public infrastructure.
Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the state had begun a major clean-up of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway and signed an agreement with a mechanised street-cleaning company to maintain the Coastal Highway using specialised sweeping machines.
He further stressed the need for service roads along the highway to improve access for residents and businesses, acknowledging that some structures may be removed to accommodate the infrastructure.
Earlier, Umahi said President Bola Tinubu directed the inspection following widespread social media reports alleging that the Coastal Highway caused flooding in Lagos.
Describing the reports as misinformation, the minister said flooding had been recorded in several states and had been forecast in at least 22 states before the rainy season.
He explained that the Coastal Highway was intentionally elevated to protect it from ocean surges and flooding for the next 20 to 30 years, adding that the affected areas had always been swampy long before construction began.
Umahi said buildings erected below approved flood levels would remain vulnerable to flooding regardless of the highway project.
The minister commended the Lagos State Government’s drainage master plan, noting that more than 80 per cent of the drainage channels leading to the lagoons had been completed.
He said the Federal and Lagos State governments would collaborate to construct additional drainage channels and service roads along the highway corridor, while engaging affected communities where structures may need to be removed.
Umahi also disclosed plans to provide surveillance cameras, wind stations, parking facilities, tourism infrastructure and other modern amenities along the corridor.
He added that strict development control would be enforced to ensure the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway meets international standards and serves as a lasting national asset.
