Coastal highway not responsible for Lagos flooding, Sanwo-Olu, Umahi insist

Officials from both the Lagos State Government and the Federal Government have refuted claims that the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project is responsible for recent flooding in parts of Lagos. They described the allegations as false and fueled by social media misinformation.

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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.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu stated that Lagos, as a coastal city, is naturally prone to flooding during heavy rainfall. He explained that intense downpours can temporarily overwhelm drainage systems, but floodwaters typically recede. Sanwo-Olu criticized social media users for sharing images during peak flooding without showing the aftermath, urging against letting such posts define the city's reality.

He also pointed to indiscriminate refuse disposal as a major contributor to urban flooding, highlighting that blocked drainage channels are a primary cause. The governor announced that the state is undertaking a major clean-up of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway and will enforce environmental regulations to protect infrastructure.

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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.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, and members of the National Assembly visited Governor Sanwo-Olu. During the visit, Sanwo-Olu praised President Bola Tinubu for initiating the coastal highway, calling it a transformative project that will boost Nigeria's economy and improve citizens' quality of life. He noted Lagos as the first major beneficiary, expressing gratitude for the project's potential economic and social impact.

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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.