₦airaland Forum

An X handler, @omoelerinjare, has expressed concerns about a part of the coastal road being void of drainages.

Lamenting on his X page, he wrote, “15 trillion naira for Lagos-Calabar, no drainage update. A concerned citizen stated, make una come to build drainage.

“Your excellency, the Minister of Works, please sir, I am on the coastal road, and I do not know why drainage has not been put in the right position here. I just want to show you to let you know if this is not going to be a problem. I would advise that you call your engineer down to rectify this.

“This is not the only place; we have this on several parts of the road, and this is behind the Charterhouse School on Ogombo Road, Ajah, very close to Landmark Estate Meridian Boulevard.”


Reacting to the X post, another user, @CORTEZ_XI, wrote, “Nigeria has proper engineering problems. Most times it looks like they don’t put weather and environment into consideration when embarking on projects, or else this problem would have been foreseen and put into consideration when constructing the road.”

@brizboi007 stated, “Weather or no weather, boss, drainage should be included; it’s just quacks with connections getting those jobs.”

@Dammmeey added, “Truly, they should have thought of the drainage before the road itself, and it’s more about them wanting to do it for the ‘gram’ rather than quacks, imo. It’s not even a Nigerian company that is in charge of the job; I said from the start that it’s a ghost project.”

While @xunday34 stated, “I’m not sure it’s a good use of money to have that kind of drainage the whole length of the road, but this particular axis should have one. They built an elaborate one around VI. I wonder why they’re not continuing it through the Lagos sections.”

Reacting to the development, an architect and infrastructure development consultant, who also doubles as a lecturer and researcher at the University of Ibadan, Ola Olaniyan, noted that earthworks and drainage works are critical parts of road construction.

He explained, “In best practices, the structural drainage works should be concluded prior to soil stabilisation and before the construction of base and sub-base courses.

The Lagos-Calabar coastal road is situated in a relatively unstable terrain predominantly inundated with swamps and marshland. In consideration of the peculiarities of the terrain, the road was designed & constructed with reinforced concrete.

This is remarkably one of a kind, embarked on a grand scale by the Federal Government of Nigeria. It is, therefore, surprising that such a laudable road project was constructed without the requisite consideration and attention paid to drainage and storm water channelization along the road carriageway.

The construction of the road carriageway should not have been concluded without the construction of storm water drains and channels, as witnessed in sections of the coastal road. This neglect of a critical aspect of the coastal road construction works illustrates the cosmetic approach to public works and infrastructure in Nigeria.

Emphasis was placed upon the road carriageway without the construction of ancillary facilities and infrastructure in order to paint a picture of a fast-paced execution of the coastal road project.

“The washing away of the earth abutting the coastal carriageway as well as the erosion of the stabilised sub-base of the road would have been prevented if emphasis was equally placed on the construction of stormwater drains and channels.”

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of Magnificent Choice Services Project and Engineering Ltd, Jeremiah Akinsele, said the road is still under construction, and it’s reasonable to assume that the necessary infrastructure, including drainage systems, will be put in place before its completion. Given the magnitude of this project, it’s unlikely that the constructors would overlook such a crucial aspect.

He added, “I am confident that the design includes provisions for drainage to effectively manage water flow and prevent potential damage to the infrastructure. The drainage system will likely be designed to channel water into the lagoon or other designated areas, ensuring that the road remains functional and safe for users.

It’s reassuring to know that the relevant authorities are working on this project, and I’m sure they’ll take all necessary measures to ensure its durability and sustainability. With proper planning and execution, this road will be a valuable asset for the community, supporting economic growth and development.”

The President of Fajiri Construction Limited, Stephen Eke, noted that the project is a significant development initiative that holds great promise for Nigeria’s future.

He advised, “Drawing inspiration from the transformations in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, it’s essential to ensure that this project is executed with utmost care and attention to detail. However, it’s concerning to see the rush to complete the project without properly assessing the work of contractors on site.

“As the government has invested a huge amount in this road, it’s imperative that drainage and flood control measures are integrated into the project. These are not just add-ons but essential components that can make or break the road’s functionality and longevity. I still believe that these critical aspects will be addressed towards the end stage of the construction.

“My wish and focus are that Nigeria realizes the real core value of sustainable development. By prioritizing quality, safety, and environmental sustainability, we can create infrastructure that not only serves our current needs but also benefits future generations.

It’s time for Nigeria to articulate its development goals and strategies, balancing progress with responsibility and foresight. By doing so, we can create a brighter future for our nation.”

In an exclusive interview with The Punch, the Minister’s Special Adviser (Media), Orji Uchenna Orji, stated that the road was still a work in progress.

He said, “Some of these things are in the procedure of road construction; you can decide to do pavement before doing the drainage, and part of the reason is to appreciate the terrain and the solidity of the shoulders. “It is not out of place, and I am pretty sure that it is not part of the place commissioned; it is a work in progress, and it is not an issue.”

Racoon:
Ordinary a construction is always a work in progress. However, the fears of netizens may not be unfounded as govt in Nigeria is often fraught by arrogance and defiance to environmental safety especially on critical issues like road construction.

This is not when such are being undertaking by a gang of defiant self serving egocentric fellas being driven by grandiose delusion of power. Complaints of non-compliance of this Lagos-Calabar superhighway being subjected to EIA, public contract bidding as in the procurement act lack of govt accountability and publication of actual contract details have continued to heightened anxiety over the dubious nature of this mega project.

helinues:
What's your likes business with the Lagos - Calabar coastal highway. Did you support the project initially?

crossfm:
Hehehe.

They call it legacy project,but I see it more as lootercy project.

David Umahi is so happy with this project, because a lot of oil is coming from it.

My own is that they should try and complete it after the whole looting.

helinues:
What's your likes business with the Lagos - Calabar coastal highway. Did you support the project initially?

If the answer is No, isn't it anything to fault the projects your likes have been doing since.

Nigeria will be better , you all will witness it as all this bad Belle can never stop the progress

Bobloco:
helinus, so by your skewed, painfully mundane logic, only those who blindly supported the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway from the start have the right to question its shady execution?

That mindset is exactly why Nigeria remains trapped in a cycle of corruption and zero accountability. This isn’t a private estate project for your political idol, it’s a public, multi-trillion naira infrastructure funded by taxpayers. And as such, it must follow due process: Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), competitive bidding, stakeholder consultation, and transparency, all clearly mandated by the Procurement Act.

But instead of demanding answers on why a project of this scale was rushed without fulfilling these legal obligations, you're out here screaming "bad belle" like that's a valid counterargument.

Listen carefully, Criticizing a dubious project isn't hate. It's called citizenship. Kindly let that sink into your sk.ull.

If you truly cared about Nigeria’s progress, you’d be asking the hard questions with the rest of us. But clearly, when loyalty to power outweighs loyalty to truth, silence becomes your comfort zone.

Blind tribal loyalty like the one you exhibit here has never built a nation. Accountability has.

helinues:
What's your likes business with the Lagos - Calabar coastal highway. Did you support the project initially?

If the answer is No, isn't it anything to fault the projects your likes have been doing since.

Nigeria will be better , you all will witness it as all this bad Belle can never stop the progress

ZombieTAMER:
This project is being executed with Nigerians money and future

It should be Worth it

you can only say what you like only if Tinubu or your Dad is funding it

fnep2smooth:
The Lagos-Calabar coastal road project is repeating Nigeria’s classic infrastructure mistakes: rushed construction, poor planning, and neglected drainage—a recipe for future flooding, erosion, and wasted taxpayer money.

The government’s excuse that "drainage will come later" is unacceptable; it should have been prioritized from the start. This is either incompetence, corruption, or both. Without immediate fixes, this 15 trillion naira "ghost project" will fail just like countless others.

helinues:
Like I said to your colleagues above. Una 1000 can't stop Nigeria's progress.

Government initiate projects, you people will go against it, projects in progress, you must still find fault inside when you people are not witch

Bobloco:
So because Tinubu is building a Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Nigeria is suddenly progressing, and anyone who questions the shady, opaque way it was awarded is automatically the enemy of progress?

helinus, that logic is not just flawed it’s dangerous. You don’t defend progress by shutting down accountability. You defend corruption.

Projects without transparency, due process, or Environmental Impact Assessments are not “progress”. And if you can't understand that, then yes, you may be too far gone to reason with. Irredeemable isn't even the word, it’s willful ignorance on steroids.

helinues:
What's your likes business with the Lagos - Calabar coastal highway. Did you support the project initially?

If the answer is No, isn't it anything to fault the projects your likes have been doing since.

Nigeria will be better , you all will witness it as all this bad Belle can never stop the progress

Softmirror:
I don't know why some people have chosen to be so bitter for the rest of their lives living only on the negative side of life.

helinues:
Bro whether they like or not, they must witness new Nigeria, developed and progressive Nigeria during their life time..

helinues:
Bro whether they like or not, they must witness new Nigeria, developed and progressive Nigeria during their life time..

Softmirror:
I don't know why some people have chosen to be so bitter for the rest of their lives living only on the negative side of life.

lexy2014:
How is spending billions of dollars building a road without drainage development?

helinues:
What's your likes business with the Lagos - Calabar coastal highway. Did you support the project initially?

If the answer is No, isn't it anything to fault the projects your likes have been doing since.

Nigeria will be better , you all will witness it as all this bad Belle can never stop the progress

helinues:
Stop asking nonsense question . Stop this boring attitude of asking irrelevant questions

helinues:
Bro whether they like or not, they must witness new Nigeria, developed and progressive Nigeria during their life time..

lexy2014:
Why should it not be his business?

Is it tinubus personal money that is being used to finance the construction of the road?

How does him not supporting the project prevent him from talking about the project?

"Nigeria will be better"...up till now?

"Will" as used by you is future tense. What was buhari doing that you were supporting that up till now Nigeria is still not better?

helinues:
Continue wallowing in your bitterness of not wanting to see Nigeria progress.

Don't lump us with the bitterness. Do it alone while we celebrate the progress of Nigeria.

And stop crying ony mentions/ about my opinion

helinues:
What's your likes business with the Lagos - Calabar coastal highway. Did you support the project initially?

If the answer is No, isn't it anything to fault the projects your likes have been doing since.

Nigeria will be better , you all will witness it as all this bad Belle can never stop the progress

helinues:
Bro whether they like or not, they must witness new Nigeria, developed and progressive Nigeria during their life time..