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2 clusters · 11 sources · 20 days · First seen · Last updated

Lagos waste management crisis

Overview

Lagos has experienced a persistent waste management crisis involving accumulating refuse in residential areas, on roads, and in drainage channels. In late September 2026, the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, addressed criticisms from political candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour regarding the state’s “stinky” conditions and flooding. Wahab acknowledged collection failures and underperforming private sector operators but defended the state’s strategy, noting that the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and operators evacuated approximately 418,500 tonnes of waste in May 2026.

By October 2026, the situation escalated following a state of emergency declared by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in September. Following a visit to the Olusosun dumpsite where he had ordered urgent action, the Governor reportedly requested the resignation of LAWMA Managing Director Muyiwa Gbadegesin. The crisis has been linked to operational bottlenecks at disposal facilities, including long queues and damaged access roads, leading to widespread public health concerns in areas such as Mushin, Surulere, and Apapa.

Entities

Lagos State Government · Lagos Waste Management Authority · African Democratic Congress · Olusosun dumpsite · Muyiwa Gbadegesin

Timeline

  1. [POLITICS] 6 sources
    Lagos Governor asks LAWMA head to resign over waste crisis

    Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reportedly asked LAWMA Managing Director Muyiwa Gbadegesin to resign due to the worsening waste management crisis and uncollected refuse across the state.

  2. [POLITICS] 6 sources
    Lagos Environment Commissioner responds to Rhodes-Vivour over waste crisis

    Lagos Environment Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab defended the state's waste management plans following criticisms from ADC candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour regarding flooding and refuse accumulation.

Sources

businessday.ng · gwg.ng · naijanews.com · newmail-ng.com · premiumtimesng.com · punchng.com · theglittersonline.com.ng · thepodiummedia.com · thewhistler.ng · trekafrica.net · tribuneonlineng.com