The Federal Government has convened a high level stakeholders’ meeting on the Lagos Calabar Coastal Highway as concerns continue to mount over flooding in communities located along the project corridor. The move comes after an extensive inspection of the ongoing construction by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, members of the National Assembly and other government officials.
According to the Federal Ministry of Works, the engagement is aimed at addressing environmental concerns, strengthening flood management measures and improving collaboration among all parties involved in the implementation of one of Nigeria’s biggest infrastructure projects. The meeting will bring together 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, representatives of affected communities, landlords’ associations and other relevant stakeholders. (The Nation)
The development follows growing public debate over whether the construction of the Lagos Calabar Coastal Highway contributed to recent flooding experienced in parts of Lagos. However, Minister of Works David Umahi firmly dismissed the allegations, insisting that the project was specifically designed with modern drainage systems, culverts and embankments to improve the evacuation of floodwaters rather than worsen flooding. He maintained that engineering assessments indicate that the highway is helping to channel stormwater more effectively. (The Nation)..READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
Umahi attributed much of the flooding to human activities, including indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainage channels, blocked manholes and widespread violations of environmental regulations. He disclosed that the Federal Government is already working closely with the Lagos State Government on dredging operations and other environmental remediation projects to reduce flooding in vulnerable areas. He also warned that structures obstructing drainage channels or encroaching on approved rights of way would be removed in line with existing regulations. (The Nation)
To further protect the multi billion naira infrastructure, the minister announced the deployment of 40 security and monitoring personnel who will patrol the highway daily to prevent vandalism, illegal refuse dumping and other activities capable of damaging the project. The initiative is part of the government’s broader plan to ensure the long term sustainability of the coastal highway. (The Nation)
Lawmakers who participated in the inspection tour also backed the Federal Government’s position, arguing that flooding in Lagos predates the construction of the coastal highway and should not be blamed solely on the project. They urged Nigerians to rely on technical evidence rather than speculation while expressing confidence that the stakeholders’ meeting would produce practical solutions to protect lives, property and critical infrastructure.
The Lagos Calabar Coastal Highway remains one of the flagship infrastructure projects of the Tinubu administration and is expected to boost transportation, trade, tourism and economic development across Nigeria’s coastal states. As construction progresses, the Federal Government says it remains committed to balancing infrastructure development with environmental sustainability and community engagement.
