The Lagos State Government has accused some individuals of spreading misleading information by sharing flood photographs from other states and countries while claiming they were taken in Lagos.
The state said the circulation of false images was politicising genuine environmental challenges and distracting attention from real flooding incidents that require urgent intervention.
Speaking on Sunday, July 5, Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in a post on X, urged bloggers, social media influencers and residents to verify information before posting it online.
According to Wahab, the government had noticed efforts to create what he described as a false narrative about flooding in 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 explained that the government actively monitors flood reports and responds to complaints received through various media channels.
“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 stated.
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He stressed that credible information remains essential for tackling flooding and other environmental issues effectively.
“Accurate information is essential to addressing challenges effectively and developing lasting solutions,” he said.
Wahab also appealed to residents and stakeholders to engage in public discussions responsibly, noting that freedom of expression should be exercised within the law.
“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 criticised an X user identified as @Hhonor_, also known as Nedu, for allegedly posting an image of flooding in Accra and 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,” Wahab said.