The Federal Government has announced that some buildings along the Lagos Coastal Highway corridor may be demolished to create service lanes and improve drainage infrastructure in communities affected by recurring flooding. Works Minister David Umahi made the disclosure after a joint inspection of the coastal highway ordered by President Bola Tinubu, following sustained public concerns over flooding in the area.
Minister blames blocked drains, not highway
Umahi dismissed claims that the coastal highway was responsible for the flooding, stating that engineering assessments confirmed the drainage infrastructure along the corridor was functioning as designed. Instead, he attributed the flooding to blocked drainage channels, indiscriminate waste disposal, illegal reclamation of natural waterways, and buildings constructed without adequate flood-risk consideration. "The coastal highway is even helping to convey floodwater from one point to another," the minister said.
Demolitions necessary for long-term solution
Umahi acknowledged that fixing the problem long-term would require difficult decisions, including the removal of structures blocking designated drainage alignments. "Some buildings must have to go to solve this problem," he said. He added that property owners affected by any demolitions would be compensated in line with government procedures where applicable.
Broader flood-control programme planned
The Federal Government said it would work with the Lagos State Government on a broader flood-control programme along the corridor, covering service lanes, additional drainage channels, and the restoration of natural waterways that have been blocked over time. On Alpha Beach, one of the worst-hit communities, Umahi noted that the area had experienced flooding long before construction of the coastal highway began, pointing to estates built on low-lying terrain without proper environmental impact assessments as a contributing factor.
Shoreline protection works as barrier
The minister maintained that the highway's ongoing shoreline protection works serve as a barrier against Atlantic Ocean surges, preventing further inland flooding rather than causing it. Managing Director of Hitech Construction Company, Danny Abboud, pledged to immediately clear blocked culverts and remove refuse obstructing drainage channels along the corridor.
Community engagement and sensitisation
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, Moremi Ojudu, said her office would work with the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and community organisations to run sensitisation campaigns on waste disposal and drainage maintenance across affected neighbourhoods.
Members of the National Assembly and officials of the Federal Ministry of Environment described Lagos flooding as a complex challenge driven by climate change, rapid urbanisation, high tidal conditions, and inadequate planning. They maintained that the coastal highway's Environmental Impact Assessment met all statutory requirements before construction began.
