The Federal Government has announced a high-level stakeholders’ engagement on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as part of renewed efforts to address environmental concerns and improve flood management along the project corridor.

The meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, July 7, follows an inspection tour of completed and ongoing sections of the highway by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, alongside members of the National Assembly and officials from key government agencies.

According to a statement issued by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Works, Mohammed Ahmed, the engagement will bring together the Senate and House Committees on Works, the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation, the Lagos State Government, representatives of landlords’ associations, and other stakeholders.

The ministry said the meeting is aimed at addressing environmental concerns, promoting environmentally responsible practices, and strengthening collaboration on flood management around the highway corridor.

During the inspection, Umahi dismissed claims linking the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to flooding in parts of Lagos, maintaining that the project was designed with modern drainage infrastructure to improve water flow and reduce flooding in shoreline communities.

The minister explained that the Federal Ministry of Works had already begun collaborating with the Lagos State Government on dredging activities and other environmental mitigation measures to tackle flooding in affected locations.

According to him, persistent flooding in many parts of Lagos is largely caused by indiscriminate refuse disposal, blocked drainage channels, obstructed manholes, and violations of environmental regulations by residents rather than the highway project itself.

“You can see people blocking manholes and creating hazards to the environment. Many complaints about flooding stem from human activities, not the road project,” Umahi said during the inspection.

He assured residents that the Federal Government would continue implementing remediation measures, including improved drainage systems, dredging operations, and strict enforcement of the approved right-of-way along the highway.

Umahi also warned that structures obstructing drainage channels or encroaching on designated setbacks would be removed to ensure effective flood control.

The minister noted that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway incorporates modern engineering features such as culverts, embankments, and drainage systems specifically designed to manage stormwater and complement wider flood-control efforts across Lagos.

He said the inspection was conducted on the directive of President Bola Tinubu as part of the administration’s commitment to protecting lives, property, and critical infrastructure while promoting sustainable development.

To safeguard completed sections of the highway, Umahi directed the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Engr. Olufemi Dare, to enforce environmental safety standards across the project.

He also announced the recruitment of 40 security and monitoring personnel—20 for daytime operations and 20 for night patrols—to prevent vandalism, theft of road infrastructure, and illegal refuse dumping along the highway.

Speaking at the inspection, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-West), Moremi Ojudu, urged residents to support government efforts by protecting the environment and complying with environmental regulations.

Lawmakers who participated in the inspection also defended the project. The Minority Whip of the Senate, Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, said flooding in Lagos predated the construction of the coastal highway and called for expert-driven environmental solutions.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Allwell Onyesoh, and the Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, commended the minister’s response to the President’s directive, stressing that Lagos’ flooding challenges require long-term, science-based interventions.

The Director of Environmental Impact Assessment at the Federal Ministry of Environment also confirmed that an Environmental Impact Assessment was approved before construction of the highway commenced, adding that the growing effects of climate change have intensified flooding and other environmental challenges across Lagos.

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Residents of Efut Efio-Ene community in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State have appealed to the government for urgent intervention over persistent flooding that has devastated homes, damaged infrastructure and threatened lives in the area.

The community attributed the recurring flood incidents to an open drainage channel that directs stormwater from different parts of Calabar metropolis into the area, resulting in widespread destruction of residential properties, access roads and public infrastructure.

Speaking in Calabar, the Clan Head of Efut Efio-Ene, His Royal Highness Muri Ekong Umo Ekpo II, described the situation as alarming, noting that residents have continued to suffer significant losses due to the flooding.

According to him, the floodwaters have destroyed household items and personal belongings, contaminated drinking water sources, increased health risks and disrupted movement within the community.

“We are facing serious challenges because all the water channelled from different parts of Calabar flows directly into our community. The flooding has destroyed houses and properties, contaminated our water sources and exposed residents to various health hazards,” the monarch said.

The traditional ruler disclosed that the drainage system serving the area had not been properly cleared since the administration of former Governor Donald Duke, urging authorities to immediately desilt the drains before the peak of the rainy season.

He called on the federal and state governments, as well as emergency response agencies, to urgently intervene to prevent further destruction and possible loss of lives.

The Youth Leader of the community, Princewill Lawrence, warned that residents now live in fear as heavy rainfall could trigger more severe flooding, structural collapse and widespread damage to livelihoods.

“Residents are worried that increased rainfall in the coming weeks could lead to catastrophic flooding, destruction of property, collapse of weak structures and loss of lives,” he said.

Lawrence appealed for a comprehensive technical assessment of the affected areas and the implementation of sustainable flood-control measures, including proper drainage channels, retention systems and stormwater management infrastructure.

Also speaking, the Women Leader of the community, Obongawan Nanke Bassey, urged government authorities to take immediate action to alleviate the suffering of residents before the situation worsens.

Reacting to the concerns, the Director-General of the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, Antigha Gill, said the government was aware of the problem and had already drawn the attention of relevant authorities to the situation.

Gill explained that the agency had previously communicated the matter to the state government, which subsequently directed the Ministry of Environment to take necessary action.

He added that the agency had received several letters from the community requesting intervention and assured residents that efforts were underway in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and the Calabar Urban Development Authority to address the flooding challenge.

The appeal comes as communities across Cross River State face increasing concerns over flooding risks during the peak rainy season, with residents calling for improved drainage infrastructure and proactive environmental management measures.

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President Bola Tinubu has approved a two-year extension for the Surveyor-General of the Federation, Abdulganiyu Adebomehin, effective January 5, 2026.

The decision, announced by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, aims to consolidate ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s geospatial and land data systems following the recent transfer of the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation (OSGOF) to the Presidency.

Tinubu’s approval underscores his commitment to modernising land administration and expanding the use of geospatial data for economic growth, infrastructure planning, and environmental management.

Appointed in January 2022 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, Adebomehin has led key initiatives such as the digitisation of land records, national mapping, and geospatial support for highways, erosion control, and reclamation projects.

Onanuga said the extended tenure would allow Adebomehin to complete these reforms and strengthen collaboration between federal and state agencies, minimise land disputes, and improve efficiency in land management.

Under his leadership, OSGOF has also advanced digital mapping efforts vital to projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road.

In August, Adebomehin ordered the demolition of illegal structures along Nigeria’s shorelines and directed the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to submit all shoreline approvals to OSGOF for central coordination.

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The Nigerian Red Cross Society, Lagos State Branch, has launched a Disaster Risk Reduction Club at Ebenezer African Church Primary School, Egbeda, to promote flood preparedness and safety awareness among pupils and their communities.

The initiative, implemented under the Italian Government–funded Flood Resilience Project in collaboration with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, aims to equip young Nigerians with knowledge and practical skills to identify and respond to disaster risks.

The Administrative Officer of the Lagos Branch, Adeshile Nicholas, said the clubs teach pupils how to prevent floods, respond during emergencies, and practice good hygiene and first aid. He added that the project is active in about seven states, including Lagos, Enugu, Edo, and Cross River, with interventions in Alimosho and Eti-Osa carried out in partnership with the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency.

Nicholas noted that behavioral change and limited mobility remain key challenges, adding that poor waste disposal habits continue to worsen flood risks.

A Security Officer from the Red Cross National Headquarters, Michael Olufemi, highlighted the importance of early disaster education, saying it helps pupils become agents of resilience in their communities. He also urged improved environmental management to address blocked drains, a major cause of flooding in Lagos.

The event was attended by representatives of the Lagos State Ministry of Education, Local Education Authority, National Disaster Response Team, and the NRCS National Headquarters, featuring sessions on early warning and disaster response.

Through the Flood Resilience Project, the Nigerian Red Cross Society reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and livelihoods from climate-related disasters.

Source: Punch

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