LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Lagos State Government has criticized the circulation of misleading flood images online, saying false claims about flooding in the state are undermining efforts to address real environmental concerns.
The state’s Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made the allegation in a post on his X account on Sunday.
Wahab said the government has observed attempts to politicize flooding by circulating photographs and videos from other states and countries while falsely claiming they were taken in Lagos.
The commissioner urged bloggers, social media influencers and residents to verify information before publishing or reposting it.
“We have watched with concern as some individuals have chosen to politicize 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 wrote.
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Wahab stressed that the state government remains committed to monitoring environmental issues and responding to complaints submitted through different communication channels.
However, he expressed concern that some online content creators prioritize internet engagement over factual reporting.
“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,” he added.
The commissioner said accurate information plays a vital role in addressing flooding and other environmental problems, noting that misinformation can hinder effective planning and response.
“Accurate information is essential to addressing challenges effectively and developing lasting solutions,” he noted.
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He also reminded residents that while freedom of expression is protected by law, it should be exercised responsibly.
“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,” the commissioner explained.
Wahab specifically accused an X user identified as @Hhonor_, also known as Nedu, of sharing a photograph of flooding in Accra, Ghana, while falsely presenting it as a flood incident in 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. We encourage you to verify information before sharing it, as the dissemination of falsehoods only misleads the public and undermines genuine efforts to address real issues,” he stated.
The state government maintained that tackling environmental challenges requires public cooperation, urging residents and digital content creators to share only verified information that supports informed decision-making and effective flood management.
