By Mashe Umaru Gwamna
Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has dismissed claims linking the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway to recent flooding in parts of Lagos.
In a statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed A. Ahmed, the Minister said the project was designed to improve drainage and facilitate the evacuation of floodwaters from shoreline communities.
Speaking during an assessment of completed and ongoing sections of the highway with members of the National Assembly, officials of the Federal Ministry of Environment and the media, Umahi said the Ministry had earlier engaged the Lagos State Government on the need for dredging and other mitigation measures.
He attributed the persistent flooding to indiscriminate dumping of refuse, blockage of drainage channels and manholes, and violations of environmental regulations.
“You can see people blocking manholes and creating hazards to the environment. Many complaints about flooding are caused by human activities, not the road project,” he said.
Engr. Umahi assured that the Federal Government, in collaboration with Lagos State, is implementing remediation measures including dredging, drainage improvement, and enforcement of the approved Right of Way. He warned that structures obstructing drainage channels would be removed.
He explained that the highway incorporates modern engineering features such as culverts, drainage systems and embankments to manage stormwater. The project, he added, complements other flood-control interventions around Eko Atlantic and Oshodi.
The Minister said the inspection was carried out on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose administration remains committed to protecting lives and critical infrastructure.
He announced that a stakeholders’ engagement involving the Senate and House Committees on Works, Federal Ministry of Environment, Lagos State Government and other agencies was held to address environmental concerns and strengthen flood management.
Umahi commended the National Assembly, Lagos State Governor, Minister of Environment, and Hitech Construction Company for their cooperation. He assured residents that blocked drains and refuse dumps along the corridor would be cleared.
The SSA-P on Community Engagement, South West, Moremi Ojudu, called for collective responsibility, while the Director of Environmental Impact Assessment confirmed that approval was granted before the project commenced.
Senate Minority Whip, Sen. Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, said: “The history of flooding in Lagos is as old as the city itself, and we have seen that the reason for the flooding is not the Coastal Highway.”
To safeguard the highway, the Minister directed the Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, Engr. Olufemi Dare, to ensure compliance with safety standards. He also announced the recruitment of 40 personnel to monitor the road and prevent vandalism and illegal dumping.
