Sanwo-Olu, Umahi dismiss coastal highway flooding claim

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

“We cannot allow social media to define Lagos.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.