Residents of the Baruwa/Igbo Efon community along the Lekki-Epe axis in Lagos State are urgently appealing to the government for intervention to mitigate devastating floods affecting their area. The community attributes the flooding to an open water drainage channel from the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, which they say is directing stormwater into their neighborhood.
The persistent flooding has submerged residential compounds and access roads, structurally weakening buildings and perimeter fences. Residents report the destruction of household properties, increased health risks from stagnant and contaminated water, and severe disruptions to transportation and daily movement.
Speaking to journalists, Atanda Mudashiru, Chairman of the residents' association, and Secretary Zacheus Aladejobi highlighted that the floodwaters have led to loss of business income due to reduced accessibility and flooding of shops and commercial premises. They also noted that the flooding has caused fear, anxiety, and displacement among vulnerable residents, including children and the elderly.
In a 'Save Our Soul' message addressed to the Federal Government through the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, the residents called for urgent intervention to stop the open water discharge into their community. They emphasized the need for action before the peak of the rainy season to prevent further damage and suffering.
“We write on behalf of the residents, landlords, business owners, and families within the Baruwa/Igbo Efon community to urgently draw your attention to the worsening environmental and humanitarian situation caused by the open water discharge drain connected to the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project,” the letter stated. “The current drainage discharge arrangement has become a major threat to lives, properties, businesses, and the overall wellbeing of our community. Large volumes of stormwater are being channelled directly into residential and commercial areas without adequate containment, diversion, or supporting drainage infrastructure.”
The letter warned that the situation is extremely alarming and requires immediate emergency intervention to avert an impending disaster. The community leaders said over 250 houses are currently exposed to direct flooding risks and structural damage, affecting more than 1,200 residents and family members. Approximately 80 small and medium-scale businesses within the axis are experiencing operational disruption and financial losses.
“Residents now live in constant fear that heavier rainfall in the coming weeks may result in catastrophic flooding, collapse of weak structures, destruction of livelihoods, and possible loss of lives,” the community added.
The residents’ association appealed to the Federal Government to conduct a technical inspection of the affected areas, deploy emergency drainage control and flood mitigation measures, and construct appropriate discharge channels, retention systems, and flood-control infrastructure to safely manage stormwater from the coastal road project. They also requested that the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos engage directly with community representatives to develop sustainable long-term solutions.
The association further urged authorities to ensure that contractors implement proper environmental and drainage management safeguards. “We acknowledge and appreciate the Federal Government’s commitment to infrastructure development through the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project. However, such development should not come at the expense of the safety, homes, businesses, and livelihoods of innocent citizens,” the community said. “This is therefore a passionate Save Our Soul appeal for urgent government intervention before the peak of the rainy season further escalates the damage and suffering within our community.”
