PHOTO STORY: Lagos streets, bus stops become refuse dumps as collection system falters

Lagos streets and bus stops have become makeshift refuse dumps as the city's waste collection system falters, despite repeated government assurances and interventions. Piles of nylons, plastic bottles, household waste, and even rotting fruits are accumulating in public spaces, creating unpleasant odors and unsanitary conditions.

At the MITV Bus Stop, near the Lagos State Government Secretariat, and at Iyana Oworo Bus Stop, the facilities meant for passengers are overwhelmed with garbage. On Alli Street, beside Tinubu Square on Lagos Island, refuse has reportedly remained for over a month, highlighting a persistent problem that residents have complained about for weeks.

“

We had a challenge and we are fixing it.

This situation persists despite recent efforts by the state government. In June, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, apologized for waste management challenges and pledged to fix them. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu subsequently ordered a scale-up of waste evacuation, deploying extra trucks and personnel. However, recent observations indicate that these measures have not fully resolved the ongoing accumulation of refuse across parts of the sprawling metropolis.

“

LAWMA, LASEPA, and the Ministry of Environment are currently working around the clock. We have deployed extra trucks and personnel to clear the backlogs across all affected neighbourhoods. You should already see progress on the streets and we will not stop until our city is completely clean again.