The Lagos State Government has warned individuals and social media users against politicising flooding in the state through the circulation of misleading images, saying such actions undermine efforts to address genuine environmental challenges.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, gave the warning in a statement posted on his X account on Sunday.
According to the commissioner, the government had observed with concern that some individuals were sharing old and unrelated flood images from other states and countries in an attempt to portray a false picture of the flooding situation in Lagos.
“We have watched with concern as some individuals have chosen to politicise the issue of flooding in Lagos by circulating misleading visuals from other states and countries that have experienced severe flooding, all in an attempt to advance a destructive narrative,” Wahab said.
He stated that the state government continually monitors developments across the state and promptly responds to reports and complaints received through various media platforms.
Wahab, however, expressed concern over the activities of some bloggers and social media influencers, accusing them of deliberately spreading false or misleading information to attract online engagement without considering the impact on residents genuinely affected by flooding.
He said such actions distract attention from legitimate cases that require urgent government intervention and could erode public confidence in official efforts to manage flooding and other environmental issues.
The commissioner urged residents, media practitioners and other stakeholders to approach matters affecting the public with responsibility and ensure that only verified information is shared.
He noted that while citizens have the constitutional right to freedom of expression and political participation, such rights should be exercised responsibly and in the interest of the public.
“We therefore urge everyone to exercise restraint, verify information before sharing it, and conduct public discourse with responsibility, civility and respect for the collective interest of Lagos and its residents,” he added.
Wahab also reaffirmed the state’s commitment to mitigating flooding, noting that the government had intensified drainage clearing, enforcement against illegal structures built on drainage channels and public sensitisation campaigns ahead of the peak of the rainy season.
He maintained that the government would continue to strengthen flood control measures while encouraging residents to support efforts aimed at keeping drainage channels free of refuse and other obstructions.
