Refuse Piles Remain in Oshodi Despite Government Order

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu ordered that waste should be cleared quickly across Lagos. But on Tuesday, Oshodi was still filled with heaps of rubbish. Residents, traders, and commuters are complaining about the bad smell and the health risks that come with it.

When PUNCH Metro visited the Oshodi Bus Terminal area opposite the market, there were large piles of rotting waste along the roadside. Some of the rubbish even spilled onto the road and pedestrian walkways.

The awful smell filled the air as traders sold to customers, commuters moved around, and scavengers searched through the trash. They all seemed worried about what this could mean for their health and the environment.

A trader named Tope said that the rubbish had been there for about four months, even though traders pay for waste disposal. "There is nothing we can do. It is the government’s responsibility. They have not come here for about four months. They came on Sunday to collect payment for May and June, and I paid because I didn’t want them to say I had not paid. They only cleared one heap after Oja Oke Market reopened. Please help us beg the government. My children no longer come to the shop because of the smell," she said.

Another trader, Bola, who lives on Baderin Street in Oshodi, said the Lagos Waste Management Authority has ignored the area but still sends out waste bills. "We have not seen LAWMA officials. They brought another bill even though they have not packed the refuse after the last payment. Look around; the smell is unbearable. We are just enduring it because there is nothing we can do," she said.

A resident named Shina Oluwadamilare said the refuse is becoming a serious public health issue. "They have not come to evacuate the refuse at all. It is affecting everyone, both children and adults. The situation in Oshodi is not okay," he said.

Another resident, who only gave his name as Sunday, said LAWMA usually collects waste regularly. He pointed out that the current delay might be due to repairs at the Ojota waste collection point. "Normally, they come to pack the refuse, but I noticed they are repairing the place where they keep the waste bins at Ojota. Maybe that is why they have delayed. This heap is just weeks of accumulated refuse because all the markets dump their waste here, expecting the government to evacuate it," he said.

In response, Olumuyiwa Gbadegesin, the Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority, said the agency has sent teams to clear the rubbish around the Oshodi Bus Terminal and market area. "LAWMA has deployed teams to evacuate the refuse around the Oshodi Bus Terminal and adjoining market area.

"Beyond the immediate clearance, we are engaging residents, traders, and market leaders on proper waste storage, sorting, and the use of assigned PSP operators. We will also intensify monitoring to prevent a recurrence.

"Where there is persistent non-compliance, LAWMA will apply the appropriate enforcement measures, including the sealing of affected premises, in line with existing environmental regulations.

"The clearance operation will take place tonight," Gbadegesin said.

He also mentioned that LAWMA’s teams have been working to clear waste along Ago Palace Way in Isolo Local Council Development Area. "Across major roads, inner streets, and communities, our teams are on the ground daily, clearing refuse, restoring environmental sanitation, and ensuring the prompt evacuation of waste to prevent environmental nuisance," he said.