The Lagos State Government has accused some bloggers and social media influencers of spreading misleading information by sharing flood images from other states and countries and portraying them as incidents that occurred in Lagos.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made the allegation on Sunday in a post on his X account, warning that the dissemination of false information undermines efforts to tackle genuine environmental challenges.
According to Wahab, the government has observed attempts by certain individuals to politicise flooding in Lagos by circulating visuals from severe flood incidents outside the state.
“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,” he said.
The commissioner stated that the state government continuously monitors environmental developments and responds to complaints raised through various media channels.
He, however, expressed concern that some content creators intentionally spread misleading information to generate engagement online.
“However, it is deeply concerning that some bloggers and social media influencers deliberately disseminate false or misleading information solely to generate clicks and engagement, with little regard for the genuine concerns of residents and property owners whose cases deserve urgent attention and intervention,” Wahab said.
He urged residents, bloggers and stakeholders to verify information before sharing it, stressing that accurate reporting remains critical to addressing environmental issues effectively.
“Accurate information is essential to addressing challenges effectively and developing lasting solutions,” he noted.
Wahab also appealed for responsible public discourse, saying freedom of expression should be exercised within the bounds of the law and with consideration for the collective interest of residents.
“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.
The commissioner specifically called out an X user identified as @Hhonor_, also known as Nedu, accusing the account holder of posting a photograph of flooding in Accra, Ghana, and presenting it as an incident that occurred in Lagos.
According to Wahab, the image was shared with the caption, “Tinubu built Lagos.”
“Using your handle to spread misinformation by sharing a photograph of the Accra flood and presenting it as an incident in Lagos is both disingenuous and misleading,” he said.
The development comes as Lagos authorities continue flood control efforts, drainage maintenance and public sensitisation campaigns during the rainy season.
