Korede Abdullah 
Large heaps of refuse along council Bus Stop, Ikotun
LAGOS, Nigeria – Residents across several communities in Lagos State have expressed growing concern over increasing piles of refuse on major roads and inner streets, warning that the situation poses significant public health and environmental risks.
The complaints come days after the Lagos Waste Management Authority announced that licensed Private Sector Participation operators evacuated 418,500 tonnes of waste across the state in May, averaging about 13,200 tonnes daily.
A visit to communities including Igando, Ikotun, Idimu, Mushin, Iyana-Ipaja, Oshodi and parts of Agege revealed heaps of waste occupying road medians, bus stops and drainage channels, with residents describing the situation as worsening.
In Igando, resident Seyi Adewale said the growing refuse heaps have become a major concern.
“The smell is becoming unbearable, especially in the evenings. We are worried because children play around these areas and this can easily lead to disease outbreaks,” he said.
Another resident, Kemi Balogun of Idimu, urged authorities to accelerate waste evacuation efforts.
“We pay for waste collection services and expect regular evacuation. The refuse has stayed here for too long and it is affecting businesses and residents alike,” she said.
In Mushin, commercial driver Rasheed Olanrewaju warned that the waste accumulation could damage Lagos’ image as a leading commercial hub.
“Visitors coming into Lagos through some of these routes will have a poor impression of the city. The government and waste managers need to move faster because the situation is getting worse,” he said.
Responding to the concerns, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu ordered an immediate scale-up of waste evacuation operations across the state.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, the government acknowledged residents’ frustrations and assured Lagosians that urgent action was underway.
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Mirian Gom 
