Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has refuted claims that the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project is responsible for flooding in parts of the state, emphasizing that the issue is primarily seasonal and environmental in nature.
This position was reiterated during a courtesy visit by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, to the Governor at Lagos House, Marina. The visit followed an inspection of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, conducted alongside members of the National Assembly Committees on Works and other senior government officials, in response to recent flooding incidents along the corridor.
Speaking during a meeting, Sanwo-Olu said the inspection provided an opportunity to assess the situation and identify engineering solutions where necessary.
He described the coastal highway as a transformational infrastructure project that would boost economic activities, improve connectivity and enhance the quality of life of Nigerians.
The governor said Lagos’ peculiar geography makes it naturally susceptible to flooding, noting that the state occupies less than 0.4 per cent of Nigeria’s landmass, with about one-third of that area covered by water.
“Lagos is a coastal city. It will flood next year and the year after because flooding is seasonal. The important thing is for the government to continue investing in drainage infrastructure and ensure floodwaters recede as quickly as possible,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu said social media often projects only the peak of flooding without showing that floodwaters usually recede within hours after rainfall subsides.
He, however, acknowledged that the government must continue to address drainage challenges while discouraging the indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainage channels.
According to him, the state has intensified environmental enforcement, banned single-use styrofoam because of its impact on drainage systems and commenced the protection of major road corridors, including the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
On the coastal highway, the governor said additional engineering works, including service lanes and improved drainage channels, would further strengthen the project and improve access for residents.
He admitted that some structures may have to give way to accommodate the proposed service roads but stressed that the measures were necessary to protect the long-term value of the investment.
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Sanwo-Olu also disclosed that the Lagos State Government had engaged a mechanised street-cleaning company to maintain the coastal highway corridor with dedicated sweeping equipment.
Earlier, Umahi said the inspection was ordered by President Bola Tinubu following reports circulating on social media alleging that the coastal highway caused flooding in Lagos.
He described the reports as misleading, insisting that flooding predates the project and is being experienced across several parts of the country.
“The coastal highway is not causing flooding in Lagos. Flooding has always existed in the affected areas because they are naturally low-lying and swampy,” he said.
Umahi explained that the highway was deliberately constructed above the flood level to protect it from ocean surge and ensure its durability over the next 20 to 30 years.
He commended the Lagos State Government’s drainage master plan, noting that most of the evacuation channels designed to discharge floodwater into the lagoon had either been completed or were under construction.
The minister, however, expressed concern that some residents had blocked culverts and drainage channels, worsening flood situations in certain communities.
He said the Federal Government and Lagos State Government had agreed to jointly address the drainage challenges by constructing additional drains and service roads along both sides of the highway.
Umahi noted that implementing the solution would require removing some structures along the corridor, adding that stakeholder engagements would commence immediately.
He also revealed that the Federal Government was considering concession arrangements for Sections One and Two of the coastal highway to protect the corridor, provide security infrastructure, parking facilities, tourism assets and maintain international standards.
The minister thanked the Lagos State Government for its cooperation in providing the right-of-way for the project, describing the partnership as critical to the successful delivery of one of Nigeria’s flagship infrastructure projects.
