Why Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway Is Flooding — Umahi Explains Reason

The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has attributed the flooding experienced along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to the failure to implement the Lagos State flood master plan, as well as the indiscriminate dumping of refuse by residents.

According to Ireporter Online, Umahi made the remarks during an inspection tour of Section Three of the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway on Sunday, where he expressed concern over the worsening environmental practices and drainage challenges in Lagos State.

The minister explained that a scheduled technical assessment of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and its surrounding areas would be carried out on Tuesday, in line with a directive from President Bola Tinubu. He stressed that the exercise was aimed at evaluating the cause of the flooding and not an attempt to assign blame.

Umahi further stated that designated drainage channels and lagoons meant to control floodwaters had not been properly developed or maintained, warning that such neglect was worsening the situation in the state.

He also criticized the level of environmental abuse on Lagos roads, blaming blocked drainage channels on indiscriminate waste disposal. He urged Nigerians to adopt more responsible waste management practices, noting that environmental discipline was crucial to national development.

Commending President Bola Tinubu’s infrastructure drive, the minister called for greater public support and constructive engagement rather than what he described as destructive criticism.

During the inspection, Umahi also praised Hitech Construction Company Limited for its progress on the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, describing the level of work achieved as impressive and urging the contractor to maintain focus on delivering quality infrastructure.

Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work on the project, noting that multiple sections of the highway were actively under construction. He added that the project, which begins in Ilala, Sokoto State, represents a significant step in improving national road infrastructure.