The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has urged Nigerians to appreciate the Federal Government for the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, describing it as a landmark infrastructure initiative that will deliver long-term economic benefits despite criticisms surrounding its construction.
Wike made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, where he dismissed claims that the project is responsible for the recent flooding experienced in parts of Lagos.
His comments come amid growing public concern that the large-scale coastal highway construction may have worsened flooding in some communities, with residents and critics questioning the environmental impact of the project.
Defending the project, the former Rivers State governor maintained that the Coastal Highway remains one of the most significant infrastructure investments undertaken by the administration of President Bola Tinubu and deserves public support rather than condemnation.
“Nigerians should appreciate the Federal Government for the Coastal Road project,” Wike said.
He argued that every major infrastructure project comes with temporary inconveniences, stressing that such challenges should not overshadow the long-term economic and developmental gains expected from the highway.
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According to him, the Coastal Highway will improve connectivity, facilitate trade, attract investment, promote tourism and create employment opportunities across the country.
Wike also dismissed suggestions that the road project is the cause of flooding in Lagos, insisting that the city has historically experienced flooding because of its coastal geography, heavy rainfall and environmental challenges.
He maintained that attributing the flooding solely to the highway project was unfair and failed to consider other factors such as blocked drainage systems, indiscriminate waste disposal and poor environmental practices.
The minister’s position aligns with recent assurances by both the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government, which have repeatedly denied allegations linking the Coastal Highway to the flooding incidents.
Officials have maintained that the highway was deliberately designed with elevated sections and modern drainage infrastructure to withstand tidal surges and minimise flood risks over the coming decades.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, one of the flagship projects of the Tinubu administration, stretches approximately 700 kilometres and is expected to connect Lagos with several coastal states, including Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River, upon completion.
Despite ongoing criticisms from some residents, environmental experts and opposition figures, the Federal Government has continued to defend the project, insisting that it will significantly transform transportation, commerce and economic development along Nigeria’s coastline.