Lagos Govt Responds to Building Expert Iguma Scott on ‘Lagos is Smelling’ Comment

Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has responded to social media commentary by content creator Iguma Scott, who recently made viral claims that Lagos is “smelling.”

In a strongly worded statement on Saturday, Wahab expressed concern over what he described as a deliberate effort by a few individuals to tarnish the image of Lagos State. He criticized those who, having recently relocated to Lagos in search of better opportunities, quickly resort to disparaging the city.

“It is regrettable that some who relocate from their home states in pursuit of better opportunities quickly, in less than a month or two, resort to disparaging the very state that has provided them the platform to thrive,” Wahab said.

He warned against the use of social media to promote narratives he believes are aligned with divisive agendas, adding that such actions undermine the progress and inclusivity Lagos is known for.

“While constructive criticism is essential for growth, malicious attempts to vilify a state that empowers countless lives daily are counterproductive,” he noted. “Lagos remains a place of opportunity, innovation, and resilience.”

Wahab ended his statement with a direct message to Iguma Scott: “Dear Iguma Scott, I do hope that you will put this same energy in ‘looking out’ for other states. I wish you all the best!”

The statement has stirred conversation online, with many weighing in on the balance between free expression and responsible civic discourse.

In a KKShow podcast, Iguma Scott, a building expert and activist, discussed the high prices of land and houses in Lagos State. He argued that there is no justification for the exorbitant costs associated with real estate in the area, even stating bluntly that “Lagos smells.”

“If a property is 800 million in a country just 65 years old, what will happen in 2050? It has even gone weird where we now see expensive as luxury. There’s no comparison between Lagos and New York, as Lagos smells. There are a lot of big mosquitoes in Lagos. We have open drainages, so no comparison with New York. You are comparing only the price and demands, but not comparing other things that make a place liveable. Everything you look out for in Lagos and call it luxury is bullshit. They are building rubbish in Lagos. They are building, and the tiles and plumbing systems are bad. The roofs are bad, but once they paint them white and put 1000 lights, they call it luxury. On a 300 square meter, and you call it a mansion.”

This comment has generated significant outrage, with many urging him to return to his state of origin and stop criticising the place that provided for him.