By Oluwafemi Adeleke
Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling commercial capital and one of Africa’s fastest-growing megacities, has recently found itself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. From the viral video of a corps member decrying Lagos as a “smelling state” to social critic Scott Iguma’s harsh condemnation of its sanitation status, the state has become a flashpoint for discussions on urban cleanliness, waste management, and environmental sustainability. While these criticisms have triggered backlash and even apologies, they have also served a vital purpose: igniting a long-overdue public discourse on the need for a cleaner and more habitable Lagos.
The city’s waste problem is not merely cosmetic. Indiscriminate waste disposal poses significant threats to public health, infrastructure, aesthetics, and even the economic viability of Lagos. From blocked drainage systems leading to devastating flash floods to the proliferation of disease vectors like mosquitoes and rats, the consequences of poor waste management are both dire and far-reaching. However, in response to growing concerns, the Lagos State Government, under the leadership of Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, and in collaboration with the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), has embarked on a robust crusade against environmental infractions, signaling a new era in waste governance.
The Government Steps Up: Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab, Ministry of Environment and LAWMA
Over the past year, Commissioner for Environment, Tokunbo Wahab has become the face of a renewed environmental reform agenda. His swift responses to viral incidents of illegal dumping and his social media engagements have sent a clear message: environmental lawlessness will no longer be tolerated. In one high-profile case, a man caught on camera dumping waste on a Lagos bridge was swiftly arrested and arraigned. According to reports, he even attempted to bribe the enforcement team with a sum of ₦100,000—an offer that was resolutely rejected, further underlining the government’s zero-tolerance stance.
Another critical enforcement action involved the sealing of a popular restaurant in Lekki for illegally disposing of waste. LAWMA’s Managing Director, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, emphasized that such acts undermine the state’s environmental efforts and will be met with the full weight of the law. He reaffirmed LAWMA’s commitment to sanitizing the city, warning that the days of reckless environmental infractions are numbered. In the words of Commissioner Wahab, “Lagos is not smelling; it is evolving—toward sustainable waste processing, modernized landfill management, cleaner waterways, and structured sanitation systems.”
LAWMA has intensified its enforcement campaigns across the state, apprehending dozens of individuals involved in illegal waste dumping. In one operation alone, 25 suspects were arrested for dumping refuse near Abati Primary School along Shasha Road, including six vehicle owners who used their cars to transport and dispose of large volumes of waste. These efforts are part of a broader city-wide strategy to make Lagos cleaner and more environmentally resilient.
The Role of Citizens: A Shared Responsibility
While government intervention is critical, the onus does not lie on the authorities alone. Waste management is a shared responsibility, and citizens play a pivotal role in determining the cleanliness and overall environmental health of their communities. Unfortunately, many Lagosians continue to engage in poor waste disposal practices, either out of ignorance, apathy, or systemic inefficiencies.
First, there is a need for increased public awareness and behavioral change. Citizens must be sensitized to the dangers of indiscriminate waste disposal, not just for aesthetic reasons, but for the sake of their health and wellbeing. Poor sanitation is a breeding ground for diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, and malaria. It also affects water bodies, contaminating sources of drinking water and disrupting aquatic life.
Secondly, Lagos residents must embrace proper waste sorting and disposal habits. The use of covered waste bins should be non-negotiable. Properties without waste bins have already started receiving official notices from LAWMA, with plans underway to seal non-compliant premises. Residents are also urged to use the services of their designated PSP (Private Sector Participant) operators, rather than resorting to illegal and unsafe dumping methods.
Additionally, reporting environmental infractions should become a civic duty. LAWMA has opened communication channels, including toll-free numbers, where citizens can report poor waste collection services or illegal dumping. Active community involvement, including neighborhood watch groups and clean-up drives, can foster a collective sense of ownership and pride in the environment.
Young voices, like that of the NYSC corps member who first criticized the city’s smell, and social commentators such as Scott Iguma, have stirred much-needed dialogue—even if their delivery sparked controversy. Their remarks underline a deeper truth: citizens are not just bystanders but catalysts for change. By holding authorities accountable and setting examples through civic action, they contribute to building a sustainable urban culture.
Environmental Impact of Indiscriminate Waste Disposal
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The damage done by improper waste disposal goes beyond dirty streets and foul smells. Environmentally, the consequences are devastating. Waste thrown into drains and canals obstructs water flow, resulting in floods that destroy homes, displace families, and cause economic hardship. Flash floods during rainy seasons have repeatedly exposed the fragility of Lagos’ drainage infrastructure, as seen in recurring episodes in areas like Ajah, Ikorodu, and Victoria Island.
Water pollution is another serious outcome. Toxic substances leach from waste into underground water sources, contaminating wells and boreholes. This not only poses health risks but also escalates the cost of water treatment. Additionally, plastic waste ends up in the ocean, endangering marine life and threatening food security for communities reliant on fishing.
The accumulation of waste also contributes to air pollution. Burning refuse, a common but hazardous practice, releases harmful toxins into the atmosphere, including dioxins and furans. These pollutants have been linked to respiratory illnesses and even cancer. Furthermore, the aesthetic degradation of urban spaces affects tourism, property values, and general quality of life. Simply put, a dirty city is an unattractive city.
Innovative Waste Management Solutions and Environmental Reforms
The Lagos State Government is not merely policing environmental infractions; it is also innovating to create a more sustainable waste management system. Key among these initiatives is the proposed closure of the Olusosun and Solous III landfills, which will be transformed into modern Transfer Loading Stations (TLS). These facilities will sort, compact, and redirect waste to recycling centers, reducing the volume of waste ending up in dumpsites.
A state-of-the-art waste-to-energy plant in Epe is also in the works. Designed to process over 2,500 tonnes of solid waste daily, the facility is expected to generate 60 to 80 megawatts of electricity, which will be fed into the Lagos power grid. This project has the dual benefit of reducing environmental waste while simultaneously addressing the city’s perennial energy crisis.
Another forward-thinking policy is the ban on single-use plastics, including styrofoam food containers. Under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) initiative, manufacturers are being held accountable for the lifecycle of their products. This is a commendable move that not only tackles pollution but also encourages innovation in sustainable packaging.
For hard-to-reach communities, LAWMA has introduced tricycle compactors under a pay-as-you-go model. This ensures that even residents in non-motorable areas have access to regular waste collection services. These decentralized, community-focused solutions represent a major leap forward in inclusive urban waste governance.
Toward a National and Holistic Solution
While Lagos is taking commendable steps to tackle its waste crisis, there is a broader lesson for Nigeria as a whole. Other states can and should emulate Lagos’ evolving waste management strategies, particularly in enforcement, public sensitization, and infrastructural investment. Federal policies should also be aligned with state efforts to encourage uniform standards and nationwide progress.
National support can also facilitate the scale-up of waste-to-energy technologies, create green jobs, and stimulate environmental entrepreneurship. Educational institutions should incorporate environmental education into their curricula to instill a culture of cleanliness from an early age.
In conclusion, A Cleaner Lagos and a Greener Nigeria is possible. The journey toward a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable Lagos is far from over, but the signs of progress are encouraging. With government agencies like LAWMA and leaders like Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab and Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin driving a challenging yet necessary environmental agenda, Lagos is beginning to turn the tide. However, this transformation cannot be government-led alone.
Citizens must become active participants in shaping the city’s environmental future. Through responsible waste habits, community engagement, and vigilant enforcement support, Lagosians can help transform their city from one associated with foul smells and clogged drains to a model megacity of cleanliness and sustainability. Together, we can build not only a better Lagos but a greener, healthier Nigeria.
The time for action is now. Cleanliness is not just next to godliness; it is the foundation of public health, economic resilience, and national pride.
