Lagos Starts Cleaning Oshodi After Report

The Lagos Waste Management Authority has started clearing the piles of rubbish around the Oshodi Bus Terminal. This follows a report by PUNCH Metro.

Our reporter noted on Wednesday that even after Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu ordered a quick cleanup across Lagos, trash was still scattered in parts of Oshodi.

Residents, traders, and commuters complained about the bad smell and worried about health risks.

On a follow-up visit on Thursday, our reporters saw LAWMA trucks and waste containers in the area. Most of the rubbish had been cleared.

Traffic flow had improved a lot, and the bad smell that used to fill the area had lessened. But some rubbish was still there when our reporters visited.

A trader at Oshodi Market, Adeoye, told our reporters that cleanup teams had reached her part of the market. She said the workers started clearing waste from Tuesday night into the morning.

"They packed the rubbish in front of my shop this morning. I think they are waiting for another truck to take the rest away. Because it is the rainy season, they don’t have anywhere to keep the waste.

"The officials were here throughout yesterday till this morning. They actually started the cleanup on Tuesday night," she said.

Another resident, Tobe, praised the agency for the cleanup. He was hopeful that the leftover rubbish would be cleared soon.

"They have been here. Thank God. They removed one large heap this morning (Thursday), and they are still trying. I don’t know about other places, but they have really tried for us here in Oshodi this week. You can even see one of their trucks here. Before tomorrow, I believe they will remove another heap," he said.

Trader Mr. Ayeni thanked LAWMA for responding to the complaints. He said the area looked much better now.

"They have started packing the rubbish. They came yesterday, and I saw one of their trucks when I opened my shop. We want to thank LAWMA for the good job. At least it is much better now. Last week was terrible. I just hope they continue coming so the place stays clean," he said.

Another resident, Okechukwu, mentioned that the cleanup had been going on for two days. Heavy machines were used to clear the waste.

"One of the caterpillars is working over there, and it’s been here since Tuesday. One of their trucks was filled and left. I believe they will continue working till evening and finish up today. Maybe the complaints they received made them respond quickly," he said.

Silas called the cleanup a good thing. He said residents were starting to enjoy a cleaner environment.

"They are trying their best. They came on Tuesday, and now only this small heap is left. Everybody wants to stay in a clean area. Since they started clearing the rubbish, we have been feeling much better. If they remove the remaining heap today, the place will be much cleaner than before," he said.

In a phone interview on Thursday, the Managing Director of LAWMA, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the cleanup was still in progress. He noted that a large part of the accumulated rubbish had already been cleared.

"LAWMA’s work at the Oshodi Bus Terminal is still ongoing. As you rightly observed, a substantial volume of the accumulated waste has already been evacuated, while clearance of the remaining areas is continuing.

"Dedicated operational teams are currently working at the site, with the cleanup expected to be completed later today, subject to operational conditions.

"Beyond the ongoing cleanup, LAWMA is also working with relevant stakeholders to strengthen waste management around the terminal and prevent a recurrence through improved monitoring, regular evacuation, and stricter compliance with approved waste disposal practices," he said.

He urged residents to cooperate with the agency. He added that "the authority remains committed to restoring and maintaining a clean, safe, and sanitary environment at the Oshodi Bus Terminal."