Minister of Works David Umahi has attributed the recent flooding along sections of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to blocked drainage channels caused by indiscriminate waste disposal and the failure to fully implement Lagos State’s drainage master plan.
According to a report by Vanguard on Monday, July 6, 2026, Umahi made the remarks while inspecting the affected sections of the highway following heavy flooding that temporarily submerged parts of the road.
The minister said refuse dumped into drainage channels contributed significantly to the flooding, adding that proper drainage management is essential to preventing similar incidents.
“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,” Umahi said.
He also argued that the flooding was linked to shortcomings in the implementation of the state’s drainage master plan rather than the design or construction of the highway itself.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is one of the Federal Government’s flagship infrastructure projects. Umahi’s comments have generated public debate, with some critics questioning whether the road meets acceptable engineering standards following the flooding.
