Lagos State is gradually returning to the level of filth it experienced before the emergence of former governor Babatunde Fashola in 2007. Fashola governed the state for two terms, from 2007 to 2015, after succeeding Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
During Fashola’s administration, Lagos witnessed major improvements in sanitation and infrastructure. Areas such as Oshodi, once known as one of the dirtiest parts of the state, underwent massive clean-up exercises and urban renewal. This culture of cleanliness largely continued under his successor, Akinwunmi Ambode, who served a four-year term, and during the first four years of the current governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
However, in recent times, refuse dumping has resurfaced across many communities in Lagos State. Areas badly affected include Ikotun, Igando, Egan, Jakande Gate, Isolo, Iyana-Ipaja, and several others.
During visits to these communities, our correspondent observed disturbing scenes of environmental abuse. In some locations, commuters were seen throwing refuse from moving tricycles, locally known as Maruwa, as they headed to work in the mornings. Beggars occupying major roads were also observed defecating openly and littering the streets, creating an offensive smell across the area.
At Jakande Gate, roadside traders were seen sweeping their daily waste and dumping it by the roadside at the close of business. Although waste bins had been mounted on poles at intervals of about five meters, the situation showed little improvement. As of the time of filing this report, about 30 waste bins were counted in the area, yet refuse continued to pile up around them.
A visit to Igando revealed an even worse situation. Culverts dividing the road had been completely converted into dump sites. From Ikotun Roundabout down to Igando, refuse lined the roads, making movement difficult and the environment unhealthy.
However, when our correspondent revisited Ikotun and Igando on January 7, 2025, the areas had been cleared of refuse. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) were deployed and stationed near the popular Ikotun Market. The environment was noticeably cleaner.
Sadly, the improvement was short-lived. When our correspondent returned later that same week on Friday, the KAI vehicle had been withdrawn, and refuse dumping had already started to resume in the affected areas.
Speaking with our correspondent, a resident of Isheri Oshun, Stella Olude, blamed the problem on irregular waste collection by private sector participation (PSP) operators, “One of the major reasons is irregular waste collection. Most PSP companies are inconsistent, so people dump refuse on walkways when going to work,” she said. She also added that poor waste infrastructure and lack of access to transfer and recycling centers worsen the situation.
Another resident of Igando, who identified herself as Muad Empire, said the problem started when waste trucks refused to enter some inner streets.
“When I first saw people dumping refuse by the roadside, I asked why they would dump waste in the middle of the road where people cross. I was told that refuse trucks refuse to enter some streets,” she said.
The waste crisis in Lagos recently gained wider attention after popular comedian and content creator, Taaooma, raised alarm over poor waste disposal in a video posted on January 13, 2025. Although she did not state the exact location, the video showed a tiled road completely covered with refuse, with the environment heavily polluted.
Reacting to the video, a social media user, Sola Omoniyi Omoyajowo, wrote on Facebook:
“It’s always like this from Jakande Estate Gate (Isolo) all the way to Ijegun. That place is the headquarters. Mushin and Agege Motor Road are the annex.”