Tokunbo Wahab, Lagos commissioner for environment and water
resources, has responded to recent comments made by media personality Scott
Iguma criticising the “high cost of real estate and living conditions” in the
state.
In a video circulating on social media, Iguma questioned the
“skyrocketing prices of land and housing” in Lagos, particularly in upscale
areas like Ikoyi and Ikate.
The media personality expressed disbelief over “plots of
land selling for as much as N1 billion,” asking, “What is in the land? Are
there mineral resources there?”
Iguma also dismissed comparisons between Lagos and New York,
arguing that the two cities differ significantly in terms of value and quality
of life.
He claimed Lagos is “smelly, mosquito-infested, with open
drainages and gutters”.
“I do not see reasons why land in Ikoyi, Ikate are going for
N1 billion. What is in the land? Are there mineral resources there? You know we
flex over it, you buy land and before the next year, the cost multiplies by
two, why should it?” he said.
“If a property is going for N800 million in a country where
we are just 65 years old, what will happen in 2050? We do not think. It has
even gone so weird that we now see expensive as luxury.
“We should cancel that term, it is wrong to use Lagos to compare
New York. What about in terms of value? What about in terms of fresh air? Lagos
is smelling, there are lot of big mosquitoes in Lagos. We have open drainages,
gutters, so what are you comparing it to New York?”
His remarks have sparked mixed reactions online, with some
Nigerians agreeing with his assessment while others accused him of unfairly
tarnishing Lagos’s image.
Reacting to Iguma’s comments via X, Wahab condemned what he
described as a deliberate attempt by some individuals to damage Lagos’
reputation.
While acknowledging the importance of constructive
criticism, he argued that malicious attacks undermine the state’s progress.
He also accused critics of using their social media
influence to spread negative narratives, often aligned with divisive agendas.
“The deliberate efforts by a handful of individuals to
tarnish the reputation of Lagos State are deeply concerning. It is regrettable
that some who relocate from their home states in pursuit of better
opportunities quickly,” he wrote.
“In less than a month or two, resort to disparaging the very
state that has provided them the platform to thrive. Leveraging social media
followings, these individuals propagate harmful narratives, often aligned with
divisive agendas, undermining the progress and inclusivity that Lagos
represents.
“While constructive criticism is essential for growth,
malicious attempts to vilify a state that empowers countless lives daily are
counterproductive. Lagos remains a place of opportunity, innovation, and
resilience, and it is imperative that we collectively uphold its integrity
while fostering unity and progress.”
Wahab also urged Iguma to direct his criticisms toward other
states as well.
He 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 deliberate efforts by a handful of individuals to tarnish the reputation of Lagos State are deeply concerning. 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…
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