Concerns grow over missing drainage on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road. Citizens and experts call for urgent action as FG says construction is ongoing

Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road drainage concerns have dominated social media and engineering circles, as citizens and infrastructure experts question the absence of proper drainage in some sections of Nigeria’s ambitious ₦15 trillion coastal highway project.

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Over the weekend, an X user, @omoelerinjare, posted a video highlighting a stretch of the road near Charterhouse School, Ogombo Road, Ajah, which he claimed was being constructed without any visible stormwater drainage.

“₦15 trillion naira for Lagos-Calabar, no drainage update,” he wrote. “Your excellency, the Minister of Works, please sir, come and inspect this. I don’t know why drainage hasn’t been put in place here.”

His remarks quickly sparked a flurry of online reactions. While some echoed his concerns over poor planning and oversight, others suggested the drainage may be scheduled for later phases of construction.

An architect and infrastructure consultant, Ola Olaniyan of the University of Ibadan, expressed strong concerns.

He explained that drainage is a non-negotiable prerequisite in road construction—especially on terrains like the Lagos coastline, which is marshy and flood-prone.

“In best practices, structural drainage works should precede pavement works,” Olaniyan said.

“The absence of stormwater channels on such a terrain is alarming. It points to a cosmetic, optics-driven approach to public works in Nigeria.”

He warned that without proper drainage, the stabilised base of the road risks erosion and structural failure, undermining the billions already committed to the project.

Responding to the backlash, the Special Adviser on Media to the Minister of Works, Orji Uchenna Orji, dismissed the concerns as premature.

“It is not unusual to install pavement before drainage in certain sections,” Orji told The Punch. “This is a work in progress, and not part of what was commissioned.”

He added that the staggered installation of infrastructure allows engineers to better understand terrain behavior before finalising ancillary features.

Engineer Jeremiah Akinsele, CEO of Magnificent Choice Services, urged patience, asserting that drainage works are likely already in the design plans.

“Given the magnitude of this project, it’s unlikely that such a crucial component was omitted. The drainage will likely channel water to designated lagoon zones to protect the structure,” Akinsele stated.

Meanwhile, Stephen Eke, President of Fajiri Construction Ltd, drew comparisons with landmark infrastructure projects in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

He stressed the importance of integrating flood control measures at every phase rather than as an afterthought.

“This isn’t just about roads; it’s about sustainable national development. Drainage isn’t a luxury—it’s foundational,” he noted.

X users continued to share mixed reactions. @CORTEZ\_XI wrote, “Most times it looks like they don’t even consider environmental factors during construction.”

Another user, @brizboi007, blamed “quacks with connections” for executing substandard work.

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Despite reassurances from officials, many remain sceptical—especially given Nigeria’s track record of incomplete or poorly executed mega-projects.