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…
— Tokunbo Wahab (@tokunbo_wahab) May 17, 2025
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In November 2024, a social media user simply identified as Nurse Ugbede came under fire on social media for allegedly calling Lagos and its residents “smelly”.
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