Category: PM News

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), through its Special Wildlife Office (SWO) under the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU), repatriated Bili, a rescued female baby gorilla, from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, to the Republic of Congo, in an exercise that took place from 22nd to 28th September 2026.

A Statement by Abdullahi Maiwada,

Deputy Comptroller of Customs and Customs National Public Relations Officer, indicated that, the operation is the Service’s first international full-cycle wildlife operation, covering interception, rescue, rehabilitation, and the safe return of a trafficked animal to the Réserve Naturelle de Tchimpounga, Département du Kouilou, Pointe-Noire, in the Republic of Congo.

‘It is pertinent to note that Bili was rescued in August 2023 by officers of the Service during enforcement operations against wildlife trafficking and subsequently placed under the care of the Pandrillus Foundation, Calabar, for rehabilitation.

‘ After a DNA test confirmed Bili is from the Republic of Congo, officials arranged his repatriation from Calabar to Lagos, then airlifted him to the Congo by DHL at no cost, accompanied by a caregiver and a veterinary doctor. In line with the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the repatriation was supported by the CITES Management Authority under the Federal Ministry of Environment, as the gorilla (Bili) is listed under Appendix I of CITES and is therefore afforded the highest level of protection as a species threatened with extinction.

‘Moreover, as a signatory to CITES, Nigeria continues to demonstrate its commitment to the protection of endangered species and the responsible enforcement of international wildlife protection obligations.

‘Through the SWO, the Service remains committed to strengthening its enforcement capabilities to disrupt wildlife trafficking networks and to building partnerships that ensure rescued animals receive proper care and are safely returned to their appropriate destinations and natural habitats. Bili’s repatriation therefore represents the culmination of interception, rescue, rehabilitation, and international cooperation in protecting endangered wildlife, ‘ the Statement stated.

Maiwada further stated that: ‘Furthermore, this repatriation comes amid intensified enforcement against illegal wildlife trade. Between January and September 2026, the SWO and Customs Area Commands recorded 22 wildlife seizures, rescued 699 live animals and arrested 11 suspects.

‘ The seizures included 220 kilogrammes of pangolin scales, 48 elephant tusks and 219.05 kilogrammes of worked ivory, alongside various live endangered and protected species intercepted across different locations. Enforcement operations during the period included seizures and rescues in Ogun, Kano, Borno/Yobe, Calabar, Taraba, Kaduna, and Lagos, among other locations.’

According to him, notable interventions included the rescue of pangolins, primates, lion cubs, hyenas, crowned cranes, tortoises, gorillas and chimpanzees, as well as the interception of 440 African mud turtles and 90 ostrich chicks in September.

The operations also led to arrests linked to wildlife trafficking, further demonstrating the Service’s sustained efforts to disrupt the illegal wildlife trade.

Maiwada said the Service under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team acknowledged the invaluable support of the Pandrillus Foundation, DHL, Focused Conservation, the Aspinall Wildlife Trust, the CITES Desk of the Federal Ministry of Environment, and the Government of the Republic of Congo for welcoming Bili home, while reaffirming that the Service is not only focused on revenue generation but also on national security and the protection of the environment and urges members of the public to report any information on illegal wildlife trade to the nearest Customs formation.

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has intensified enforcement against illegal street trading, dislodging traders occupying road corridors and other unauthorised spaces around Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) and the Costain Under Bridge/National Theatre axis.

The operation, carried out in collaboration with the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), targeted traders whose activities were obstructing pedestrian and vehicular movement along the affected corridors.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said on Tuesday that the enforcement formed part of the authority’s sustained efforts to protect public spaces, improve environmental cleanliness and ensure that roads and walkways are used for their intended purposes.

Gbadegesin said the occupation of road corridors and pedestrian walkways by traders not only undermined the orderly use of public spaces but also contributed to environmental nuisance in the affected areas.

He warned traders against returning to road corridors, walkways and other unauthorised locations, urging them to operate only from designated and approved trading areas.

According to him, maintaining orderly public spaces requires continuous compliance with environmental regulations and sustained enforcement by relevant authorities.

‘LAWMA will continue to work with relevant government agencies to address activities that undermine environmental standards and public order,’ he said.

The enforcement comes as the authority seeks to maintain cleaner and more accessible public spaces along busy Lagos corridors, where the presence of roadside traders can affect the movement of pedestrians and vehicles.

Gbadegesin urged residents and other stakeholders to support the enforcement efforts by complying with established regulations and refraining from activities that obstruct public spaces or contribute to environmental degradation.

He also said LAWMA would continue to monitor the affected areas to prevent the return of illegal trading activities and ensure sustained compliance.

The authority said the latest operation was part of its broader enforcement activities aimed at maintaining environmental standards and protecting public spaces across Lagos.

Baker Homes has launched Mint Court Phase 2, a 10-acre residential development along the Papalanto Expressway in Obafemi Owode, Mowe, as the real estate company expands its property portfolio following the sale of several earlier developments.

The project was unveiled on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at an event attended by real estate professionals, prospective buyers and other stakeholders, including Nollywood actor Jide Awobona and Surveyor Abayomi Sobowale.

The launch was organised to introduce Mint Court Phase 2 to the market, provide realtors with detailed information about the development and formally commence Baker Homes’ brand partnership with Awobona.

Located along the Papalanto Expressway, Mint Court Phase 2 has a Global Certificate of Occupancy, with the company describing the development as 100 per cent dry land. The property is currently being offered at an Independence Day promotional price of ?8 million for 300sqm, valid until October 14, after which the minimum entry price will increase to ?10 million.

Baker Homes said the development also comes with instant allocation upon completion of payment, while the advertised prices are all-inclusive.

Speaking at the launch, the Supervising Manager and Head of Projects and Development, Baker Industries Limited, Dr Hon. Olusegun Osundina, said the new development was an extension of the company’s approach to creating property opportunities based on location, documentation and value.

‘Mint Court Phase 2 represents another important step in our commitment to creating real estate opportunities that combine location, proper documentation and value,’ Osundina said.

He said the response to the company’s earlier developments had informed the decision to introduce another phase of Mint Court.

‘The success of Phase 1 demonstrated the demand for well-positioned property in this corridor, and with Phase 2, we are giving more people the opportunity to participate from an earlier stage,’ he said.

Mint Court Phase 1, which preceded the new development, was introduced to the market in 2022 at an initial price of about ?5 million and was sold out in 2025, with prices reaching between ?25 million and ?30 million during the period.

The company said the sales performance of its wider portfolio also includes other developments. Fork Hill in Kuje, Abuja, and Genesis Blocks land sales at Maralago Lake City along the Gwarinpa-Kubwa Expressway have recorded sell-outs, while the Genesis Blocks building development is nearing completion of sales, with one five-bedroom duplex remaining.

Osundina said the company’s focus extends beyond transactions to the experience and confidence of buyers.

‘We remain focused on building trust through transparency, proper documentation and a customer experience that extends beyond the point of purchase,’ he said.

The launch also marked the beginning of Baker Homes’ collaboration with Awobona, who was recently signed as a brand partner by the company. The actor’s involvement is expected to support the company’s efforts to communicate its property offerings to a wider audience, particularly through his connection with audiences in Ogun State and across Nigeria.

Speaking at the launch, Awobona said the partnership would give him an opportunity to create greater awareness about property ownership while helping prospective buyers better understand the opportunities available through Baker Homes.

‘Mint Court Phase 2 gives people an opportunity to consider property ownership from an earlier stage of development. What I find important about this partnership is the emphasis Baker Homes places on transparency, proper documentation and helping people understand what they are buying,’ he said.

He added that he looked forward to using his platform to create greater awareness about the development and encourage more people to take informed steps towards property ownership.

The company said the partnership with Awobona forms part of its broader approach to using strategic relationships to improve how it communicates its developments and engages prospective property owners.

With the launch of Mint Court Phase 2, Baker Homes is focused on taking the new development to the market while building on the sales performance of projects within its existing portfolio.

The Federal Government has declared Thursday, October 1, 2026, a public holiday to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced the public holiday in a statement issued on Wednesday by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani.

In the statement, Tunji-Ojo congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad on the 66th Independence anniversary.

He also urged citizens to use the occasion to reaffirm their commitment to national unity, patriotism, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.

While noting that peace and stability remained essential to national development, Tunji-Ojo urged Nigerians to emulate the country’s founding fathers by demonstrating commitment to the nation’s progress.

‘As we celebrate 66 years of our independence, we should always remember that there is hope for our country and our diversity is our strength, and our collective determination remains the foundation upon which a stronger and more prosperous nation will be built,’ he said.

The Minister also assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remained committed to strengthening national security, enhancing public safety and creating an environment where citizens could live, work and pursue their legitimate aspirations with confidence.

Tunji-Ojo added that the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda would continue to pursue measures aimed at building a better Nigeria for all citizens.

He appealed to Nigerians to use the Independence Day celebration as an opportunity to strengthen national cohesion and promote peaceful coexistence across the country.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume has explained that the bold reforms undertaken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration since 2023 were necessary to save Nigeria from imminent collapse.

The reforms, he said, have begun to yield positive results.

Akume spoke on Wednesday in Abuja at the 66th Independence Anniversary Lecture. The event was part of activities marking Nigeria’s Independence Anniversary under the theme ‘Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress’.

He noted that, 66 years after independence, Nigeria has survived civil war, decades of military rule and many trials, adding that: ‘Yet through it all, our faith has sustained us and our people continue to demonstrate a strong belief in the Nigerian project.’

On the economy, the SGF said the administration took difficult but necessary decisions at inception.

‘This administration took office in 2023 and immediately took bold decisions needed to save the nation from imminent collapse. Such decisions include the removal of the petrol subsidy, unification of the foreign-exchange market, tax and other fiscal reforms, etc. These were difficult decisions, but necessary to rebuild stability and we have started enjoying the results,’ he said.

Citing the World Bank data, Akume said: ‘According to the World Bank, Nigeria’s real GDP grew by 4.2% in the first half of 2026, up from 3.9% a year earlier, as business activity expanded. The task before us now is to ensure that growth translates into jobs and higher incomes for all Nigerians.’

He outlined massive infrastructure investments as evidence of progress.

‘The country has over the past three and a half years witnessed massive investment in infrastructure and to improvement in connectivity,’ he stated.

He reiterated the fact that projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Abuja-Kano highway, the East-West Road, the rail modernisation and port reforms would dramatically improve trade routes and the economy.

He added that government is expanding mortgage finance to boost housing and jobs, and tackling power and transport costs.

‘We have tackled the power sector’s problems by clearing legacy debts, increasing investment, and improving transmission and billing. We are also harnessing Nigeria’s abundant natural gas. Over 120,000 vehicles have been converted to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), with more than 400 conversion centres and 90 fuelling stations nationwide,’ the SGF said.

‘This shift is cutting fuel costs for motorists and commuters. CNG buses now carry millions of passengers at fares far below those of petrol buses. We will not return to the ruinous petroleum subsidy regime of the past.’

On agriculture and food security, he reaffirmed government’s determination that Nigerians ‘eat what we grow,’ supporting mechanisation, irrigation, quality seeds, fertilizer, silos and local processing.

‘I am pleased that the World Bank has approved a $500 million credit for the Nigeria Sustainable Agricultural Value-Chains for Growth (AGROW) project. This initiative will raise smallholder productivity, strengthen value chains, and improve food and nutrition security.’ Akume announced.

Addressing youth empowerment, the SGF said over 60% of Nigerians are under 25 and described them as Nigeria’s greatest asset.

‘We have expanded the Education Loan Fund so that millions of students can afford university and vocational studies. We are strengthening technical and vocational institutes to teach the skills that industry needs. Our young people are not just leaders of tomorrow – they are partners in building Nigeria today.’

He also called on the diaspora to invest homewards, noting they bring ‘not just remittances, but ideas, investments and pride.’

Speaking on health and social protection, Akume said the government is equipping thousands of primary healthcare centres under the IMPACT initiative and expanding safety nets including NG-CARES Additional Financing, SOLID and HOPE programmes backed by World Bank and federal funds, to provide cash transfers and essential services to vulnerable families.

On security, he saluted the armed forces and said government is improving equipment, intelligence and coordination, with a new National Threat Assessment and five-year Strategic Defence Plan.

‘Security and welfare of the people is the responsibility of government. Nothing matters more than the safety of our people. When communities have opportunities and trust in justice, crime and violence decline. In that sense, development and security go hand in hand,’ he stated.

Concluding, the SGF said the Independence Lecture should be a call to duty.

‘We as leaders envision a Nigeria where a young graduate becomes an employer of labour; where a farmer can feed his family and sell surplus at market; where an entrepreneur can turn a small shop into a thriving enterprise; and where every child goes to a good school and sees a doctor when sick.’

‘We know the path will not be easy but our goal is clear: shared prosperity for all Nigerians,’ he added.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has repatriated Bili, a rescued female baby gorilla, from Lagos, to its original home in the Republic of Congo.

The repatriation took place between 22nd and 28th September 2026 through the NCS Special Wildlife Office (SWO) under the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU),

Abdullahi Maiwada, the spokesperson for Nigeria Customs Service confirmed this in a statement on Wednesday.

He indicated that, the operation is the Service’s first international full-cycle wildlife operation, covering interception, rescue, rehabilitation with the safe return of the trafficked animal to the Réserve Naturelle de Tchimpounga, Département du Kouilou, Pointe-Noire, in the Republic of Congo.

‘It is pertinent to note that Bili was rescued in August 2023 by officers of the Service during enforcement operations against wildlife trafficking and subsequently placed under the care of the Pandrillus Foundation, Calabar, for rehabilitation.

‘After a DNA test confirmed Bili is from the Republic of Congo, officials arranged his repatriation from Calabar to Lagos, then airlifted him to the Congo by DHL at no cost, accompanied by a caregiver and a veterinary doctor.

In line with the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the repatriation was supported by the CITES Management Authority under the Federal Ministry of Environment, as the gorilla (Bili) is listed under Appendix I of CITES and is therefore afforded the highest level of protection as a species threatened with extinction.

‘Moreover, as a signatory to CITES, Nigeria continues to demonstrate its commitment to the protection of endangered species and the responsible enforcement of international wildlife protection obligations.

‘Through the SWO, the Service remains committed to strengthening its enforcement capabilities to disrupt wildlife trafficking networks and to building partnerships that ensure rescued animals receive proper care and are safely returned to their appropriate destinations and natural habitats.

‘Bili’s repatriation therefore represents the culmination of interception, rescue, rehabilitation, and international cooperation in protecting endangered wildlife, ‘ the Statement stated.

Maiwada stated that the repatriation of the gorilla was done amid intensified enforcement against illegal wildlife trade by Customs operatives across the country.

He noted that between January and September 2026, the SWO and Customs Area Commands recorded 22 wildlife seizures, rescued 699 live animals and arrested 11 suspects.

‘ The seizures included 220 kilogrammes of pangolin scales, 48 elephant tusks and 219.05 kilogrammes of worked ivory, alongside various live endangered and protected species intercepted across different locations. Enforcement operations during the period included seizures and rescues in Ogun, Kano, Borno/Yobe, Calabar, Taraba, Kaduna, and Lagos, among other locations.’

According to him, notable interventions included the rescue of pangolins, primates, lion cubs, hyenas, crowned cranes, tortoises, gorillas and chimpanzees, as well as the interception of 440 African mud turtles and 90 ostrich chicks in September.

The operations also led to arrests linked to wildlife trafficking, further demonstrating the Service’s sustained efforts to disrupt the illegal wildlife trade.

Maiwada said the Service under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team acknowledged the invaluable support of the Pandrillus Foundation, DHL, Focused Conservation, the Aspinall Wildlife Trust, the CITES Desk of the Federal Ministry of Environment, and the Government of the Republic of Congo for welcoming Bili home.

He reaffirmed that the Service is not only focused on revenue generation but also on national security and the protection of the environment.

The Customs spokesperson therefore urged members of the public to report any information on illegal wildlife trade to the nearest Customs formation.

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged Nigerians, particularly Lagos residents, to uphold the nation’s founding values of patriotism, resilience and determination, stressing that the progress of Nigeria depends on the collective efforts of its people.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who is the Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, urged Nigerians to respond to the country’s challenges with renewed faith, responsible citizenship and collective action, noting that Nigeria’s capacity to survive periods of adversity remains a reason to hope for a better future.

The Governor, in an Independence Anniversary message issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, said the Independence Day celebration is not only a reminder of the nation’s hard-earned freedom but also a call to renewed dedication to building a stronger and more prosperous country.

He praised the founding fathers and patriots of Nigeria, as well as current and former public office holders who have laboured since 1960 to ensure that Nigeria remains indivisible irrespective of religious, tribal and ethnic differences.

Governor Sanwo-Olu implored citizens to demonstrate patriotism not merely through celebrations of national milestones but in their everyday actions that strengthen social cohesion, respect the rights of others and contribute to national development.

He said: ‘As we look back on our journey in the last 66 years, it is clear that Nigeria has weathered trials and celebrated triumphs. Since our independence on October 1, 1960, Nigeria has experienced periods of progress and difficult challenges, but our ability to endure through adversity has remained a reason for optimism about our future.

‘As citizens, we must believe in our country and in our collective capacity to build the nation we all desire. We must not depart from the dream of the founding fathers who fought very hard for us to become a sovereign nation. Our diversity should be a source of strength and not division.

‘As we celebrate the 66th Independence anniversary, let us recommit ourselves to doing what is right, work with our leaders for a better country and walk in unity as one family. Let us remember that the strength of Nigeria lies in its diversity, and I believe strongly that the future of Nigeria will be shaped by the choices we make together.’

President Bola Tinubu has commended Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, his Senior Special Assistant on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on her efforts to accelerate Nigeria’s progress towards the achievement of the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda with a focus on ‘Leaving No One Behind.’

President Tinubu gave the commendation in a birthday congratulatory message to Princess Orelope-Adefulire, on Tuesday.

In the message signed by Bayo Onanuga, his spokesperson, President Tinubu described Princess Orelope-Adefulire, also a deputy Governor of Lagos State, as a dedicated public servant and development advocate whose contributions continue to support Nigeria’s inclusive and sustainable development efforts.

President Tinubu also lauded her commitment to advancing the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria, particularly initiatives targeted at improving the welfare and living conditions of vulnerable citizens and communities.

‘I commend Princess Orelope-Adefulire’s efforts in the creation of the Presidential Council on SDGs and other advocacy groups to accelerate Nigeria’s progress towards the achievement of the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda with a focus on ‘Leaving No One Behind.’

‘I believe she will continue to bring her experience, passion and commitment to bear in supporting the administration’s development agenda and Nigeria’s broader aspirations for sustainable growth. I wish her good health, wisdom, strength and many more years of purposeful service to our nation and humanity,’ the President says.

The Sokoto State House of Assembly has threatened to suspend a member, Awaisu Aliyu (ADC – Gada West) over what it described as false and scandalous statements he made against the house in a recent interview which went viral on social media.

According to the house, the lawmaker risks a three-month suspension if he fails to retract the statements within 24-hour.

The ultimatum was issued to the ADC lawmaker following the consideration of a report by the House Committee on House Service, Ethics and Privileges over the viral social media interview.

Presenting the report at plenary, the Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the committee, Alhaji Kabiru Ibrahim, said the interview was posted by Iconic Television on Sept. 23.

Ibrahim said the interview contained statements which the committee considered false and scandalous against the leadership of the assembly, capable of defaming the image and good name of the house.

He said the committee invited Aliyu to explain his action and accorded him a fair hearing.

‘The member admitted to having granted the interview and made representations at the hearing which were not cogent and devoid of tangible evidence to support his claims.

‘Also, the interview granted was a gross misrepresentation of facts, false and scandalous, and defamed the image of the house in the public eye,’ he said.

Ibrahim said the lawmaker’s claims concerning the construction of the Tashar Illela-Road Block Road were false, explaining that the project was inherited from the previous administration and had already been captured in the budget for completion.

He said Aliyu’s action constituted an offence contrary to Section 17 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, 2017.

The deputy speaker, however, said: ‘Section 14 of the Act provides that a member who fails to abide by the laid-down procedures of the house can be reprimanded or suspended from the service of the House for a period not exceeding one legislative session without pay.’

He added that Aliyu apologised to the committee and the assembly over his action.

Ibrahim said the committee recommended that the lawmaker should liaise with Iconic Television to bring down the interview, in addition to a press conference with media organisations in the state to retract his statements.

‘However, failure to hold the press conference within 24 hours, the member stands suspended from the legislative service of the house for a period of three months,’ he said.

The Speaker, Alhaji Tukur Bala, thereafter, put the committee’s recommendation to a voice vote, and it was unanimously adopted by the lawmakers.

The Lagos State Government has dismissed as misleading criticisms that it lacks a sustainable waste management plan and is ignoring the state’s persistent flooding challenges.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the government’s approach goes beyond emergency refuse evacuation and includes investments aimed at creating a more sustainable waste management system.

Wahab was responding to assertions made by a 2027 governorship candidate during a recent television programme concerning the state’s waste management and flash flood prevention measures.

He said it was important to distinguish between identifying challenges and recognising the concrete measures being implemented to address them.

According to the commissioner, Lagos is investing in Modern Transfer Loading Stations, Material Recovery Facilities, recycling, composting and the Epe waste-to-energy project.

‘Beyond emergency interventions, Lagos is investing in Modern Transfer Loading Stations, Material Recovery Facilities, recycling, composting and the Epe waste-to-energy project,’ Wahab said.

He said the objective was to move away from decades of ‘pick-and-dump’ practices towards a system in which waste could be converted into energy and economic value.

Wahab said Lagos generates an estimated 13,000 to 15,000 tonnes of municipal waste daily, adding that the Lagos Waste Management Authority and Private Sector Participation operators evacuated approximately 418,500 tonnes of waste in May 2026 alone, an average of about 13,200 tonnes daily.

He attributed the growing volume partly to the state’s expanding population and the daily influx of people into Lagos.

The commissioner, however, acknowledged that the scale of waste generated did not mean every resident was receiving satisfactory service.

‘We acknowledge collection failures, underperforming PSP operators and operational bottlenecks,’ he said.

Wahab explained that waste management was an interconnected system in which delays at disposal facilities could affect truck turnaround times, disrupt collection schedules and ultimately lead to refuse accumulation in neighbourhoods.

He cited rehabilitation works at the Olusosun landfill, including Road E and additional disposal platforms, as measures that had improved operational efficiency. According to him, truck movements across disposal facilities rose to 1,866 in the week following the intervention, while Olusosun recorded an increase from 574 to 1,012 trips.

He said the state was also strengthening property enumeration, geocoded service locations, GPS tracking, weighbridge measurements, collection records and recovery data, while reforming the PSP system and sanctioning or terminating operators where necessary.

On flooding, Wahab said the state had invested in drainage infrastructure, pump stations, year-round maintenance, flood abatement operations, restrictions on styrofoam and single-use plastics, wetland preservation and the removal of structures on floodplains.

He said these interventions had reportedly reduced flooding incidents by 75 to 80 per cent statewide, arguing that it was therefore misleading to suggest that the government was ignoring the problem.

The commissioner acknowledged that Lagos still faced significant flooding challenges, but attributed some of the difficulties to the state’s coastal geography, tidal locks and the growing effects of climate change.

He maintained that even resilient drainage infrastructure could not completely eliminate flash flooding in a coastal megacity.

‘While challenges remain, the evidence of sustained interventions must form part of the conversation. Flooding is a global coastal challenge, not one peculiar to Lagos,’ Wahab said.

He argued that discussions about the state’s environmental challenges should focus on measurable outcomes, including tonnes of waste collected, completed routes, missed collections, complaint resolution, recurring refuse blackspots and the volume of waste diverted from landfills.

Wahab said the government was also examining whether households had assigned waste collectors, whether operators were adequately equipped, whether scheduled routes were completed and whether complaints from residents were being addressed.

He added that the state must also determine how collected waste was treated, recovered or disposed of, stressing that emergency refuse evacuation should not become a substitute for reliable daily collection.

The commissioner said Lagos still had substantial work to do but insisted that portraying the government as doing nothing ignored ongoing investments, infrastructure development and operational reforms.

‘Criticism should be informed by geography, climate realities and the progress already recorded, not political rhetoric,’ he said.