The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi has dismissed claims that the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway was responsible for flooding in parts of Lagos, adding that the project was designed to improve drainage and facilitate the evacuation of floodwaters from shoreline communities.
Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Works, Mohammed Ahmed disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.
Ahmed said the Minister made the clarification during an on-the-spot assessment of the completed and ongoing sections of the Coastal Highway with Members of the National Assembly, Senior Special Assistants to the President (SSAs-P), Officials of the Federal Ministry of Environment and the media.
Umahi explained that the Ministry had earlier held discussions with Officials of the Lagos State Government on the need for dredging and other environmental mitigation measures to address flooding in the affected areas.
The Minister attributed the persistent flooding largely to indiscriminate dumping of refuse, blockage of drainage channels and manholes, and gross violations of environmental regulations by some residents. He stressed that the highway itself was not the cause of flooding but rather part of its long-term solution.
He therefore assured stakeholders that the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, was implementing environmental remediation measures, including dredging, drainage improvement, and strict enforcement of the approved “Right of Way.” He warned that structures obstructing drainage channels or violating the approved setbacks would be removed.
According to the Minister, the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway incorporates modern engineering features, including adequate culverts, drainage systems, and embankments designed to manage stormwaters effectively. He further explained that the project complements other flood-control interventions such as those around the Aqua Atlantic development and Oshodi.
He commended Members of the National Assembly, the Governor of Lagos State, the Minister of Environment, SSAs-P (Community Engagement), Staff of the Ministry, and Hitech Construction Company, and other stakeholders for their cooperation and assured residents that blocked drainage channels and refuse dumps along the project corridor would be cleared.
Engr. Umahi concluded by guaranteeing residents along the alignment that all environmental concerns raised during the inspection would continue to receive prompt attention through sustained stakeholder engagement and effective mitigation measures.
