Sanwo-Olu, Umahi speak on claims linking Lagos-Calabar Highway to flooding

The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, have dismissed claims that the ongoing construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is responsible for flooding in parts of Lagos, describing the narrative as misinformation spread on social media.

Governor Sanwo-Olu and Senator Umahi spoke during a courtesy visit by the minister alongside members of the National Assembly.

Sanwo-Olu, who welcomed the Minister of Works and lawmakers from both chambers of the National Assembly, commended the Federal Government for embarking on what he described as a transformative infrastructure project that would improve the economy and the quality of life of Nigerians.

He said the Coastal Highway, which many initially dismissed as a political promise, has become a reality.

He said: “Two years ago, it felt like it was just a political conversation, but today people are already using the road. 

“We thank Mr. President for this landmark project. 

“Lagos has been the first major beneficiary.

“And we are indeed grateful because it will enhance the quality of life of our people and improve the economy of the country.”

Addressing concerns over flooding, Governor Sanwo-Olu explained that Lagos’ geographical location makes seasonal flooding inevitable.

According to him, Lagos occupies less than 0.4 percent of Nigeria’s landmass, with about one-third of the state covered by water, while its rapidly growing population continues to exert pressure on available land and infrastructure.

He said: “Lagos is a coastal city. 

“When people say Lagos has flooded, without mincing words, we will always experience some level of flooding. 

“We only pray that it will not be severe. 

“These are natural occurrences associated with coastal environments across the world.”

The governor noted that intense rainfall could temporarily overwhelm drainage systems regardless of their size, but insisted that floodwaters usually recede after some time.

He accused social media users of creating misleading impressions by circulating photographs taken during peak flooding without showing conditions after the water had subsided.

He added: “We cannot allow social media to define who we are. 

“That does not mean we ignore our challenges. 

“Whenever there are problems, we must confront them and solve them, but we must also understand the realities of our environment.”

Sanwo-Olu also blamed indiscriminate refuse disposal for worsening flooding across the state, saying blocked drainage channels remain one of the major causes of urban flooding.

He recalled that the Lagos State Government banned the use of styrofoam because of its harmful environmental impact, disclosing that additional environmental regulations would soon be introduced.

The governor further revealed that the state had commenced a major clean-up of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway to protect public infrastructure, stressing that the government would enforce zero tolerance against activities capable of damaging roads and drainage systems.

On maintaining the Coastal Highway, Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the state had signed an agreement with a mechanised street-cleaning company that would deploy specialised six-lane sweeping machines to clean the highway daily.

He assured residents that the government would continue protecting public investments and ensuring proper maintenance of critical infrastructure.

Speaking on the need for service roads along the Coastal Highway, the governor said such facilities would improve access for residents and businesses while protecting the integrity of the main carriageway.