Umahi blames Lagos govt, residents for flooding on coastal road

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has blamed the flooding of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway on the non-implementation of a Lagos State master plan.

Umahi also blamed the flooding on indiscriminate dumping of refuse by Lagos State residents.

The minister made the blame during an inspection tour of the Section Three of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway on Sunday, July 5, 2026.

He said he would, on Tuesday, evaluate the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and its surroundings along with some members of the National Assembly.

Umahi said: “We will go and evaluate the coastal highway and the surroundings tomorrow (Monday); not that we are causing the flooding but because the president had directed that we go and technically evaluate it.

“We are calling the Lagos State Government because we found out that the master plan of Lagos State in terms of flooding is not being implemented.

“There is a number of designated points – lagoons – that this water is supposed to be drained in. They have not been done.”

He expressed dissatisfaction at the amount of refuse on Lagos roads, saying that indiscriminate refuse disposal contributed much to flooding of roads.

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Umahi added: “You can see the amount of refuse even on our way. You can see the indiscipline of Nigerians that carry refuse to block drainage channels.

“This country belongs to all of us; so, we must work.”

Umahi commended President Bola Tinubu for efforts in infrastructure development, urging Nigerians to appreciate his efforts rather than engage in destructive criticisms.

The minister also thanked the contractor handling the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, Hitech Construction Company Limited, for efficiency.

He said: “Hitech, you have achieved 10 per cent of the permanent work. This is mind-blowing.

“On the bridge you are talking about, the flyover, concentrate on your work.

“Let Ogun State Government do its flyover. We cannot inherit a foundation we are not sure of. Let your job be like a service lane.”