The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has defended the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway against claims that it is contributing to flooding in parts of Lagos, insisting that the project was specifically designed to mitigate flooding and protect surrounding communities.
Speaking during an interview with ARISE NEWS, Umahi said the highway incorporates extensive drainage infrastructure, including multiple culverts and evacuation channels, to manage stormwater, reduce ocean surges and improve flood control along the coastal corridor.
He explained that flooding existed in the area long before construction of the highway and maintained that the project’s elevated design now serves as a barrier against ocean water encroachment into nearby residential communities.
The minister said the project’s Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) guided the design and has been subjected to both local and international scrutiny to ensure environmental standards are met.
Umahi attributed persistent flooding in some locations to blocked drainage systems, indiscriminate refuse disposal and construction on natural waterways, rather than the highway itself.
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He urged residents to avoid obstructing drainage channels and culverts, warning that such practices undermine flood management efforts.
The minister also described the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as one of the Federal Government’s legacy infrastructure projects, saying it is creating jobs, attracting investment and stimulating economic activities while improving transportation and supporting long-term economic growth.
