Lagos State authorities have pushed back against a viral social media post alleging poor waste management in the Mushin area, saying the footage in question does not reflect current conditions on the ground.
The response came from Tokunbo Wahab, Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, who addressed the matter directly to Nigerian social commentator Tunde Ednut following a post the commissioner said mischaracterised the present situation in Mushin.
According to Wahab, the video circulated by Ednut showing refuse along a Mushin road was outdated. He said the site had since been cleared and that the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) had continued its operations in the area.
The commissioner acknowledged that waste management remains a challenge in parts of the state, attributing recurring issues in part to residents and property occupiers who decline to pay for services under the Private Sector Participation (PSP) waste collection scheme. He said LAWMA had “consistently intervened” in affected areas as part of efforts to maintain cleaner surroundings.
Wahab urged content creators to verify information before publishing, arguing that relying on old footage risks giving a misleading picture of Lagos and Nigeria more broadly. He noted that criticism of the state’s governance was welcome, provided it was grounded in accurate and verifiable information.
The exchange has since drawn attention online, with the commissioner’s statement being widely reposted, including by user Oseni Rufai. #Securitynewsalert.com
