Tokunbo Wahab: Championing a Greener Lagos

Barr. Tokunbo Philip Wahab is a distinguished Nigerian legal practitioner and politician who serves as the Honourable Commissioner for the Environment & Water Resources in Lagos State. Appointed to this critical role to champion the state's environmental and water sustainability goals, his tenure is driven by a mandate to secure a cleaner, healthier, and more aesthetically pleasing Lagos. His vision aligns with creating an environment conducive to economic growth, tourism, and the overall well-being of the state’s massive citizenry. This position places him at the forefront of tackling some of the most complex urban development and climate challenges facing Nigeria's commercial nerve centre.

Wahab’s professional background is firmly rooted in law and public service, bringing a strategic and disciplined approach to his ministry's operations. An alumnus of prestigious institutions, including Harvard Kennedy School and the University of Benin, his expertise is complemented by prior experience as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education. This diverse background equips him with the skills in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and policy formulation essential for managing the multifaceted responsibilities of the Environment and Water Resources Ministry, which oversees agencies like LAWMA (Lagos Waste Management Authority) and LASEPA (Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency).

​A major focus of his commission has been on aggressive flood mitigation and drainage control. Recognising the perennial challenges of flooding in Lagos, Barr. Wahab has spearheaded proactive and comprehensive measures, including the continuous dredging and maintenance of major drainages, canals, and water channels across the state. These strategic interventions are aimed at significantly reducing the impact of heavy rainfall, thereby enhancing the safety and resilience of flood-prone communities. This forms a core component of his commitment to creating a flood-free environment, which is vital for the city's economic activities.

​Commissioner Wahab has strongly emphasised transforming the state’s waste management culture from a linear "pick and drop" system to a more sustainable, circular economy model the "Waste to Wealth" initiative. Key projects include the advancement of the Waste-to-Energy project in Epe, which is designed to process thousands of tonnes of municipal solid waste daily to generate electricity. This is complemented by initiatives like the Blue Box Recycling program and the "Trash for Cash" initiative, all geared towards promoting waste segregation, increasing recycling rates, and substantially reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.

Beyond flood and waste management, his ministry is actively involved in urban beautification and environmental protection. This includes the transformation of abandoned spaces into green areas, parks, and gardens through initiatives like the "Trees for Lagos" campaign, which contributes to the ecological balance and improved air quality. His commitment also extends to water resource management, focusing on curbing water pollution, protecting wetlands, and designing a Comprehensive Drainage Master Plan. By fostering strong partnerships with local governments, the private sector, and communities, Tokunbo Wahab continues to drive a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach towards a clean, resilient, and livable Lagos.