Education
Lagos urged to address waste management crisis – EnviroNews
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A stalwart of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Lagos State, Princess Abiodun Oyefusi, has urged Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to urgently implement sustainable solutions to address the state’s growing waste management challenges.
Oyefusi, in a statement on Monday, June 22, 2026, made the call amid mounting concerns over the accumulation of refuse in several communities across Lagos.
She warned that the situation posed serious threats to public health, environmental sustainability and flood control efforts
Oyefusi said overflowing waste bins, illegal dump sites and refuse-clogged drainage channels had become common sights in many parts of the state.
She attributed the development to poor waste collection services, increasing population and inadequate waste disposal infrastructure.
“The Lagos State Government must move beyond temporary measures and adopt real, long-term solutions to address the waste management crisis before the rains intensify.
“Failure to act decisively could worsen flooding, environmental degradation and pose public health risks,” she said.
Oyefusi expressed concern that many residents had resorted to dumping refuse in drains, canals and vacant land due to delay in waste evacuation.
She said the practice could exacerbate the problem of flooding and create breeding grounds for disease-carrying pests.
Oyefusi, who contested in the last ADC primary election, warned that poor waste management could cause diseases, such as cholera and typhoid,adding it was a major source of water and land pollution.
Oyefusi called on the state government to invest in modern sanitary landfill facilities equipped with leachate control and methane capture systems.
She also urged government to strengthen waste collection services across all local government areas of the state.
The stalwart advocated the expansion of recycling programmes and the promotion of waste separation at source.
She further recommended the promotion of composting initiatives to reduce the volume of waste ending up in landfills.
According to her, the state should also explore waste-to-energy projects capable of converting refuse into electricity.
She said such would reduce dependence on landfills while generating additional energy for the state.
Oyefusi stressed the need for sustained public enlightenment campaigns on proper waste disposal practices.
She also called for stricter enforcement of environmental laws against illegal dumping and stronger collaboration between government agencies and private waste operators.
According to her, Lagos can transform its waste management system and create a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable environment if government demonstrates the political will to implement comprehensive reforms.
“As the rainy season progresses, proactive measures are no longer optional.
“Lagos residents deserve a cleaner environment and a waste management system that is efficient, modern and responsive to the realities of a rapidly growing megacity,” she said.
By Adeyemi Adeleye