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‎By Onu Okorie
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‎Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi has blamed persistent flooding along the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway corridor on indiscriminate dumping of refuse, blocked drainage channels and widespread violations of environmental regulations.
‎Speaking during an inspection of completed and ongoing sections of the coastal highway alongside members of the National Assembly, presidential aides, officials of the Federal Ministry of Environment and journalists, Umahi said the road was designed to improve drainage and support long-term flood control rather than worsen flooding.
‎Umahi who insisted that the highway project is not responsible for flooding in parts of Lagos explained that  many of the flooding incidents being reported were caused by human activities, particularly the blockage of manholes and drainage channels by residents.
‎”You can see people blocking manholes and creating hazards to the environment. Many complaints about flooding are caused by human activities, not the road project,” the minister said.
‎Umahi disclosed that the Federal Government had already engaged the Lagos State Government on dredging and other environmental remediation measures to address flooding in affected communities.
‎ He added that both governments were implementing drainage improvements, dredging operations and stricter enforcement of the approved right of way.
‎He warned that structures obstructing drainage channels or violating approved setbacks would be removed to ensure the effectiveness of flood-control measures.
‎The minister explained that the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway incorporates modern engineering features, including adequate culverts, drainage systems and embankments designed to channel stormwater effectively. According to him, the project also complements other flood mitigation initiatives around the Aqua Atlantic development and Oshodi.
‎Umahi said the inspection followed a directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose administration remains committed to protecting lives, property and critical infrastructure while promoting sustainable development.
‎He announced that a stakeholders’ engagement involving the Senate and House Committees on Works, the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation, the Lagos State Government, landlords’ associations and other relevant agencies would hold on Tuesday to address environmental concerns, strengthen public awareness on proper environmental practices and deepen collaboration on flood management.
‎The minister commended members of the National Assembly, the Lagos State Government, the Ministry of Environment, presidential aides, ministry officials, Hitech Construction Company and other stakeholders for their support, assuring residents that blocked drainage channels and refuse dumps along the highway corridor would be cleared.
‎The Minority Whip of the Senate, Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, said flooding in Lagos predated the coastal highway, noting that Parliament had established that the road project was not responsible for the problem. He urged authorities to rely on the recommendations of environmental experts in tackling flooding.