Omokri Defends Lagos-Calabar Highway Amid Flooding Critique

Reno Omokri, a Nigerian ambassador to Mexico, defended the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project against criticism from former lawmaker Dino Melaye, who posted a 15-second video on social media showing flooding along the highway. Omokri dismissed Melaye's claims, attributing the flooding to the natural geography of Lagos, which is one of the few places in Africa below sea level and experiences regular flooding exacerbated by climate change.

He emphasized that the flooding depicted in the video is not unusual and should not be attributed to the quality of the highway or the administration of President Bola Tinubu. Omokri noted that even advanced nations like the Netherlands experience flooding despite sophisticated infrastructure.

He highlighted that the highway incorporates flood mitigation features and that the Lagos administration has implemented measures to improve drainage and protect against coastal threats. Omokri also referenced the Eko Atlantic City project, a significant land reclamation initiative, to illustrate the potential for development despite environmental challenges.