A political debate has erupted over a viral video showing flooding on sections of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, with former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, defending the project and President Bola Tinubu against criticism from former lawmaker, Dino Melaye.

Melaye had shared a short video showing vehicles moving through a waterlogged portion of the highway, questioning the quality and durability of the multi-billion-naira project.

In response, Omokri argued in an open letter that the flooding was not evidence of construction failure but a natural occurrence linked to Lagos’ coastal geography.

He explained that parts of Lagos, especially the Island axis, are below or near sea level and are naturally prone to flooding, particularly during heavy rainfall and rising sea levels.

According to him, similar situations occur in other developed countries such as the Netherlands, where temporary flooding and road closures also happen despite advanced infrastructure.

Omokri maintained that the Coastal Highway was designed with flood-mitigation systems and that waterlogging in such areas typically clears after rainfall reduces.

He further defended Tinubu by referencing past drainage and land reclamation projects in Lagos, including Eko Atlantic City, which he said demonstrated long-term planning for coastal resilience.

He also stated that flood-control efforts such as lagoon dredging and mobile barriers introduced during Tinubu’s tenure as Lagos governor had helped reduce coastal flooding risks.

The Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway remains a major federal infrastructure project aimed at linking southern coastal states to boost trade, tourism, and connectivity.

However, the project continues to face public scrutiny over environmental impact, cost concerns, and its ability to withstand flooding in vulnerable coastal areas.