Lagos remains a place of opportunity, innovation, and resilience, and it is imperative that we collectively uphold its integrity while fostering unity and progress
The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has firmly defended the image and integrity of Lagos State in response to controversial remarks made by social media influencer Scott Iguma.
Wahab emphasized that Lagos remains a city defined by opportunity, innovation, and resilience—not the negative stereotypes being portrayed online.
In a recent podcast interview that quickly gained traction across social media platforms, Scott Iguma referred to Lagos as “smelling” and infested with “big mosquitoes.” The remarks, deemed disrespectful and misleading by many, sparked a wave of backlash from Lagosians and public officials alike.
Reacting to the statements, Wahab expressed deep concern over what he described as a growing trend of individuals—often recent arrivals to Lagos—who benefit from the city’s vast economic and social platforms, only to disparage it soon after.
He highlighted the irony of such comments, noting that many of these individuals relocate from other parts of Nigeria to Lagos in search of better opportunities and exposure, only to turn around and publicly denigrate the same environment that enables their growth.
“The deliberate efforts by a handful of individuals to tarnish the reputation of Lagos State are deeply concerning,” Wahab stated. “It is regrettable that some who relocate from their home states in pursuit of better opportunities quickly, in less than a month or two, resort to disparaging the very state that has provided them the platform to thrive.”
He went on to criticize what he views as the weaponization of social media influence to promote divisive narratives that do not reflect the true character or condition of Lagos. According to him, while constructive criticism is welcomed and even necessary for progress, spreading exaggerated or false claims is not only irresponsible but detrimental to the collective efforts to improve and advance the state.
“Leveraging social media followings, these individuals propagate harmful narratives, often aligned with divisive agendas, undermining the progress and inclusivity that Lagos represents,” Wahab continued. “While constructive criticism is essential for growth, malicious attempts to vilify a state that empowers countless lives daily are counterproductive.”
He reaffirmed Lagos State’s identity as a beacon of economic growth, cultural diversity, and relentless innovation, pointing out its central role in Nigeria’s development and its appeal to both national and international investors, creatives, and professionals.
“Lagos remains a place of opportunity, innovation, and resilience, and it is imperative that we collectively uphold its integrity while fostering unity and progress,” he said.
In a direct address to the influencer, Wahab added: “Dear @IgumaScott, I do hope that you will put this same energy in ‘looking out’ for other states. I wish you all the best!”
The Commissioner’s response has been widely supported by Lagos residents and stakeholders who believe that while there are areas of improvement in the city—as with any major metropolis—mischaracterizing it through blanket negative statements undermines the genuine efforts of government agencies, private sector partners, and ordinary citizens working daily to build a better Lagos.