Eleko residents raise alarm over blocked drainage on Coastal Highway, warn of flood risk

 The Ibeju-Lekki Ancestral Community Foundation has raised concerns over what it describes as a blocked drainage system along the Eleko axis of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, warning that the situation could trigger severe flooding as the 2026 rainy season intensifies.

Speaking at an emergency briefing on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, community leaders alleged that ongoing construction activities and sand-filling along the corridor have obstructed natural water channels that previously drained excess rainwater into nearby wetlands and the Atlantic Ocean.

They warned that continued obstruction could leave surrounding settlements vulnerable to flooding, with potential displacement of residents and damage to farmlands and heritage sites.

According to the foundation, heavy rainfall experienced in April already caused localized flooding in parts of Eleko, with stagnant water reportedly remaining for days and seeping into homes and agricultural areas.

“We are not against the coastal road; it is a project that brings progress,” a community spokesperson said. “But development must not come at the cost of our lives and homes. If a major downpour happens now, Eleko could be under water.”

Residents listed blocked culverts, flooded farmland, and risks to ancestral settlements as key concerns, warning that repeated flooding could force long-term displacement.

While residents blame construction-related obstruction of drainage channels, the Federal Ministry of Works has previously attributed flooding along sections of the highway to vandalism and improper waste disposal.

In February 2026, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Engineer Olufemi Dare, said some drainage failures were caused by individuals removing manhole covers and dumping refuse into drainage infrastructure, leading to blockages in major pipes.

This has created a divide between official explanations and community accounts of the situation.

The drainage controversy comes amid broader concerns about the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project, which has already generated disputes over demolition notices and setback demarcations along the corridor.

Earlier in the year, several communities in the Ibeju-Lekki axis protested proposed 150-metre setbacks, warning that enforcement could lead to widespread displacement of settlements.

The Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation has reportedly marked structures for possible removal in affected areas, further heightening fears among residents.

The Ibeju-Lekki Ancestral Community Foundation is calling for a joint inspection involving the Federal Ministry of Works, the Lagos State Ministry of Environment, and community representatives to assess the drainage situation.

The group also urged the Federal Government to ensure that the project does not worsen environmental risks for host communities, as sections of the highway near Eleko approach completion and eventual inauguration.

As the rains continue, residents say anxiety remains high, with many closely watching weather conditions amid fears of possible flooding in the weeks ahead.