The Lagos State Government has broken its silence following a wave of social media chatter sparked by claims that the city “smells” and is crawling with giant mosquitoes.
These remarks were made by social media influencer Scott Iguma during a recent podcast, where he bluntly said, “Lagos is smelling… There are a lot of big mosquitoes in Lagos.” The comment quickly spread online, triggering a flood of mixed reactions from Nigerians at home and abroad.
But now, the state government is setting the record straight.
Response of Lagos Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources
Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, took to X (formerly Twitter) to address the growing controversy. According to him, Lagos is being unfairly painted in a negative light by people who often benefit from the city’s opportunities but choose to ridicule it in return.
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“It’s sad that some people who just arrived in Lagos—probably less than a month ago—already feel comfortable disrespecting the city that’s giving them a platform to succeed,” Wahab posted.
He didn’t mention Iguma by name at first, but later directly addressed him with a touch of sarcasm, saying:
“Dear @IgumaScott, I do hope you’ll keep that same energy when reviewing other states. I wish you all the best.”
Wahab acknowledged that, like any major city, Lagos faces environmental challenges. However, he stressed that the government is actively working to improve things, particularly through enhanced waste management systems and mosquito control programs. He reminded residents that keeping the city clean is a shared responsibility.
“Lagos is a city of opportunity, resilience, and innovation. Instead of dragging it down with misleading narratives, let’s focus on moving it forward together,” he added.
The Commissioner encouraged Lagosians to be mindful of how they represent their city, especially online. While constructive criticism is welcome, exaggerated or harmful statements can damage the city’s image, particularly when they go viral.
The government also noted that ongoing efforts, like increasing refuse collection points and regular fumigation in mosquito-prone areas, are aimed at making Lagos safer and more livable for all.
In the meantime, social media continues to buzz, with some users defending Lagos and others echoing Iguma’s sentiments. But one thing is clear: the city’s officials aren’t letting these claims go unchecked.