The Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has dismissed claims that the ministry demanded ₦1 billion, later reduced to ₦700 million, from property owners at Oral Estate, Ikota, to stop the demolition of illegal structures.

The denial follows a viral video in which a woman alleged that Commissioner Wahab and ministry officials agreed to suspend demolition works in exchange for the payment related to “shit piling” on the estate.

In the video, the woman said,

“Thank God for today. We have peace of mind. We’re not hearing an excavator tearing people’s houses down, people crying. The Commissioner, Ministry of Environment came and we had an agreement that my estate is going to pay ₦1 billion for shit piling. It ended in ₦700 million. My estate is trying to gather the money and give them this month.”

However, in an official statement released via his social media platforms on Sunday, Wahab categorically denied the allegations.

“Neither I nor any official from the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources has requested or received any payment, whether ₦1 billion, ₦700 million, or a single kobo, from any property owner,” he said.

The commissioner described the video as a malicious attempt to discredit the government and distract from ongoing efforts to safeguard Lagos residents from flooding.

He emphasized that the ministry’s operation to clear illegal obstructions along drainage channels and canals is crucial for public safety and has not been suspended for any negotiations or payments.

“Our work continues. This propaganda is a dangerous distraction from our critical mission to prevent flooding and protect the majority of Lagosians,” Wahab stated.

The ministry also warned residents against engaging intermediaries or making payments to halt lawful enforcement actions.

In response to the controversy, Wahab announced that legal action will be taken against the individual responsible for the false claims, who will be required to present evidence to authorities.

Meanwhile, government teams have intensified demolition of illegal structures within river setbacks and drainage corridors in Ikota and neighboring estates to mitigate recurring seasonal flooding.

Since coming into office, Governor Mbah has assiduously embarked on various landmark developmental projects and programmes aimed at improving the lives of the citizenry and also to reposition the state for more socio-economic growth.

In a move to transform the agricultural sector, Mbah has initiated the farm estate programme in the state.

The programme is aimed at establishing at least three farm estate in each of the 260 wards in the state operating as cluster farms, with each estate covering about 200 hectares per ward.

The land will be provided by the host communities for the project and the ownership of the land remains with communities even where there are private investors involvement.

With a structured guidelines by the government, the land will be allotted to the local farmers who may partner with investors; while the government prodive the needed support.

His vision is to transform the state into an agricultural goldmine capable of feeding her people and exporting its surplus.

The move is not just about increasing food security; it’s also about creating jobs, supporting local communities, and building a robust, self-sustaining economy.

The farm estate is a state government -driven initiative to bring a shift from traditional subsistence- rain dependent agricultural practice to digital- based farming systems as a pathway to sustainable food security not only in the state but across the nation.

Governor Mbah is on a mission to modernize and raise the productivity of agricultural sector through provisions of appropriate technologies.

This is a leap forward into agricultural revolution in the state.He has procured large number of modern tractors for onward delivery to the 17 LGAs in the state to empower the local farmers.

Part of his policy implementation mechanisms is structured around Public-Private Partnership ensuring collaborative approach to agricultural reforms in the state . The vision is to transform Enugu into a food bank of the nation capable of supplying high quality produce to Nigerian market.

This farm estate initiative is not just an innovation in the agricultural sector; it’s the forerunner of Enugu’s economic renaissance . It is not only about food production;it’s also about laying the foundation for economic diversification and resilience

What we must appreciate here is the potential impact of this agricultural transformation which will extends far beyond the state’s borders.

It is a transformation towards creating a favourable environment for investment in agribusiness, promoting export-based agriculture, increased domestic food production, forestalling post-harvest losses as there will be warehouses, reliable energy supply for efficient farm operations.

Value chains in produce distribution would undoubtedly be streamlined. There is no doubt it will provide job opportunities for our people, while contributing to our GDP growth.

By this agricultural program, the local farmers in the state will be empowered through grants, supply of mechanized farm implement, farm inputs and improved seedlings.

And by establishing at least three of the farm estate in each ward in the state, it will go a long way in accommodating many farmers within the area.

By this programme, Enugu is repositioning itself as an export state and can significantly contribute to the Nigeria’s overall economic growth; and could attract international investments and partnerships, further bolstering its economic standing.

The security and environmental impact of this agricultural initiative cannot be overlooked either. Farm estate is a security -efficient and environmentally friendly method of farming that maximizes crop yield while minimizing waste and promoting the security of the farmers.

In a state like Enugu, where we often have herders-farmers clashes, the adoption of such sustainable farming practices is crucial and helpful. The farm estates will be fenced and manned by trained security personnel aimed at preventing invasion by anyone not granted access.

Mbah’s unwavering commitment to swing the state’s economy towards sustainable agriculture is manifest and laudable.

As Enugu State takes this innovative and bold steps towards agricultural excellence, it stands as a model for other states in contributing to nation’s food security.

However, the road to transformation is fraught with challenges such aa resistance to changes and new policies, security concerns, and the need for skill development among farmers are hurdles that must be overcome.

The success of Governor Mbah’s transformation in the sector will hinge on the state’s unwavering commitment to addressing these issues head-on, communicating appropriately to the citizens, providing the agricultural sector with the need infrastructure, security, and skilled workforce it needs to thrive.

The government’s role is pivotal, but so is the involvement of the stakeholders, the host communities and private sector.

There is no doubt that Public-private partnerships can be a catalyst for agricultural development, providing the expertise, funding, and innovation necessary to elevate Enugu’s agricultural sector to international standards.

As Governor Mbah looks strides to make Enugu a bastion of agricultural export., his vision is clear and need to be supported.

With the right mix of political will, investment, and community engagement, Enugu State can indeed become a bastion of agricultural exports. It’s a vision that doesn’t just aim to change the landscape of the state but also seeks to transform the lives of its people, ushering in a new era of growth and stability.