Lagos Government Blames Waste Pile-Up on Olusosun Decommissioning
The Lagos State Government has attributed the recent accumulation of refuse in various parts of the metropolis to the ongoing decommissioning of the Olusosun landfill, a major dumpsite that has served the city for decades.
In a statement released on Monday via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, explained that the closure of the site has necessitated a significant change in waste disposal logistics, leading to temporary delays.
Wahab detailed that waste trucks, which previously deposited refuse at the centrally located Olusosun site, are now being diverted to alternative landfills in Epe and Badagry.
This logistical shift has drastically increased the turnaround time for Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators, resulting in the backlog of waste seen on the streets.
“The ongoing decommissioning of the Olusosun landfill has necessitated a significant shift in waste disposal logistics. Refuse previously destined for Olusosun is now being transported to alternative facilities in Epe and Badagry,” Wahab stated.
He acknowledged that the longer distances have placed pressure on the waste evacuation system but assured residents that the government is taking urgent steps to normalize the situation.
To mitigate the impact on residents, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has been directed to provide immediate support in areas where PSP operators are struggling to keep up with the schedule.
“Intervention activities are actively ongoing, particularly at identified black spots across the state,” the Commissioner said, adding that discussions are underway to procure and deploy additional trucks to boost LAWMA’s operational capacity.
Addressing the issue of indiscriminate dumping, Wahab disclosed that a dedicated Task Force has been established to patrol the state 24 hours a day. The team will focus on combating illegal roadside dumping, often exacerbated by street trading activities.
This announcement follows the arrest of three individuals on Monday for illegally disposing of refuse along the Ikotun–Igando Road median during an enforcement operation by LAWMA’s Waste Infractions Surveillance and Investigation Team.
The Commissioner urged residents to dispose of waste responsibly and only patronize approved PSP operators, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to a “cleaner, more orderly, and sustainable city”.
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