Sanwo-Olu, Umahi dismiss coastal highway flooding claim

n n

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, have dismissed claims linking the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to flooding in Lagos.

n

Both government officials described the claim as misinformation, according to a statement by Sanwo-Olu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, on Tuesday.

n

They spoke during a courtesy visit to Sanwo-Olu by Umahi and some members of the National Assembly during which they assessed ongoing infrastructure projects in the state and addressed public concerns about flooding.

n

Sanwo-Olu commended the Federal Government for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, describing it as transformative.

n

The governor said that the highway would boost economic growth, improve connectivity and enhance Nigerians’ quality of life.

n

He said the project had moved beyond political promises to reality, with a section already serving motorists and demonstrating the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering strategic infrastructure successfully.

n

“Two years ago, many regarded it as political rhetoric, but Nigerians are already using the road.

n

” We appreciate President Bola Tinubu for delivering this transformative national infrastructure project,” he said.

n

Sanwo-Olu said that Lagos’s coastal geography naturally exposes the state to seasonal flooding.

n

He added that heavy rainfall occasionally overwhelmed drainage systems, only for the floodwaters to gradually recede.

n

“We cannot allow social media to define Lagos.

n

“We acknowledge our challenges, confront them responsibly and understand the environmental realities associated with living within a coastal city,” he said.

n

The governor blamed residents’ indiscriminate disposal of refuse for blocked drainage channels, saying that environmental abuse was a principal cause of flooding across several communities in Lagos State.

n

He recalled the state government’s ban on styrofoam, disclosed plans for additional environmental regulations, and announced intensified enforcement to safeguard drainage systems, roads and other critical public infrastructure.

n

Sanwo-Olu also disclosed that Lagos had engaged a mechanised street-cleaning company to deploy specialised sweeping machines daily, ensuring continuous maintenance and protection of the coastal highway corridor.

n

He advocated having service lanes on the coastal highway to improve access for residents and businesses.

n

Earlier, Umahi said that Tinubu directed inspection of the highway following widespread social media reports alleging that it caused flooding.

n

The minister described the claim as false, misleading and unsubstantiated.

n

“The President directed us to inspect it alongside National Assembly members because of widespread allegations.

n

“Our assessment clearly shows the coastal highway did not cause the flooding,” Umahi said.

n

The minister explained that the highway was intentionally elevated to withstand ocean surges, ensuring resilience while protecting the corridor from flooding over the next 20 to 30 years.

n

Umahi noted that the flooded areas had always been swampy, warning that structures erected below approved flood levels would remain susceptible to flooding, irrespective of ongoing highway construction activities.

n

Umahi said both governments would jointly provide additional drainage infrastructure and service roads, while stakeholder engagements would precede removal of structures required for the planned developments.

n

He said that there were plans to provide surveillance cameras, wind stations, parking facilities and tourism infrastructure on the corridor.

n

The minister thanked Lagos residents, lawmakers and other stakeholders for supporting the coastal highway project, expressing confidence that it would be a lasting national asset.

n n