A fresh debate has emerged over flooding in Lagos, as Reno Omokri responded to criticisms by Dino Melaye, arguing that the situation is largely due to natural geographic factors rather than government failure.
In a detailed statement, Omokri explained that Lagos Island sits at or below sea level, making it naturally prone to flooding—an issue worsened by climate change. He maintained that such occurrences are not unique to Nigeria, citing the Netherlands as an example where even advanced infrastructure still experiences seasonal flooding and road closures.
Omokri dismissed suggestions that the flooding reflects poorly on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project or the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu. According to him, the highway was designed with flood mitigation systems, and water accumulation after rainfall is expected to subside within hours.
Highlighting past achievements, Omokri credited Tinubu’s tenure as Lagos State governor with major environmental interventions, including land reclamation projects that led to the development of Eko Atlantic City. He described the city as a multi-billion-dollar investment and one of the most valuable real estate hubs in Sub-Saharan Africa.
He further noted that flood control measures such as lagoon dredging and mobile barriers contributed significantly to protecting Lagos from severe coastal threats. Omokri compared Lagos’ resilience to challenges faced in countries like Indonesia, Thailand, Vanuatu, and Argentina, where coastal flooding has caused major disruptions.
He also referenced a report by the International Monetary Fund, which listed Nigeria among the top contributors to global GDP growth in 2025, a development he said reflects positively on the country’s leadership.
The exchange highlights ongoing political tensions over infrastructure development and climate resilience in Nigeria, particularly in coastal regions like Lagos, where rising sea levels continue to pose long-term challenges.
