The Federal Government has intensified efforts to strengthen public participation in the protection of critical national infrastructure as the Honourable Minister of Works, David Umahi, leads members of the Presidential Community Engagement Team and the National Assembly on a two-day official visit to Lagos State.
The high-level visit centres on an inspection of ongoing work on the landmark Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, one of the Federal Government’s flagship infrastructure projects, while also providing an opportunity to address growing public concerns over flooding, environmental sustainability, and community participation in safeguarding public assets.
As part of the programme, the delegation will undertake a comprehensive assessment of the highway project and engage with host communities and key stakeholders on measures to enhance environmental management, improve drainage systems, and promote responsible public conduct in protecting government infrastructure.
The itinerary also includes courtesy visits to the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote. The meetings are expected to focus on strengthening collaboration between government and the private sector in advancing infrastructure development, environmental protection, and sustainable flood mitigation initiatives.
Speaking on the significance of the visit, Senator Umahi noted that Lagos remains Nigeria’s most cosmopolitan state, with residents drawn from all six geopolitical zones of the country. He explained that this unique demographic composition informed the decision to involve the Presidential Community Engagement Team in the exercise, enabling the government to reach diverse communities and reinforce the message of national unity, shared ownership, and collective responsibility in protecting public infrastructure.
A major highlight of the two-day visit will be an extensive stakeholders’ engagement forum designed to educate residents on the importance of environmental sanitation and civic responsibility. The campaign will emphasise proper waste disposal practices, discourage the indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainage channels, warn against blocking manholes and waterways, and encourage communities to actively support government efforts aimed at preventing flooding.
The engagement will also underscore that roads, bridges, drainage facilities, and other public infrastructure are national assets whose protection requires the cooperation of government, community leaders, civil society organisations, and individual citizens.
The Federal Government believes that sustained community engagement and public awareness will not only enhance the long-term success of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project but also contribute significantly to environmental sustainability, improved urban resilience, and national development.