Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has dismissed reports that the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road is responsible for the heavy flooding experienced in the state. Speaking during a courtesy visit from the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, the governor explained that Lagos, being a coastal city, will always experience some level of flooding during heavy rainfall, regardless of infrastructure projects.
Coastal Geography Blamed for Flooding
Governor Sanwo-Olu stated, “Lagos is a coastal city. When people say Lagos has flooded, without mincing words, we will always experience some level of flooding. We only pray that it will not be severe. These are natural occurrences associated with coastal environments across the world.” He emphasized that intense rainfall can temporarily overwhelm drainage systems, but floodwaters often recede after some time.
Some residents had claimed that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, initiated by the Tinubu administration, blocked water channels and increased flooding risks. However, the governor rejected these assertions, urging the public to understand the natural dynamics of coastal cities.
Social Media Misinformation
Sanwo-Olu accused some social media users of creating misleading impressions by sharing images captured at the peak of flooding without showing the situation after the water had subsided. He called for balanced reporting and urged residents to avoid spreading panic.
Waste Disposal Worsens Flooding
The governor also blamed indiscriminate refuse disposal for exacerbating flooding in the state. He noted that blocked drainage channels remain one of the major causes of urban flooding, and appealed to residents to stop dumping waste in drainage systems.
According to Sanwo-Olu, the state government is working on improving drainage infrastructure and clearing blocked channels, but cooperation from the public is essential to mitigate flooding risks.
