One week after the Governor of Lagos State ordered the evacuation of the accumulated rubbish dotting different sections of the city state, there has been no major difference as streets and roads have become illegal dumpsites.
The state government said in a statement titled, ‘Sanwo-Olu Directs Waste Evacuation Across Lagos’, and issued on June 18, 2026, that it is aware of the concerns expressed by residents regarding the recent accumulation of refuse in some areas of the state and wants to assure Lagosians that the situation is receiving the utmost priority from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the entire government machinery.
“We are not oblivious to the inconveniences and concerns caused by the situation. Lagosians deserve a clean, healthy and environmentally sustainable city and this administration is absolutely dedicated to delivering on that commitment.
“Governor Sanwo-Olu has, therefore, directed the immediate escalation of waste evacuation operations across the state with the relevant agencies and service providers working round the clock to clear the backlogs and restore normalcy as soon as possible.”
However, notwithstanding the directive, enormous rubbish still dot the highways from Oshodi, to Mushin to Cele, Ago, Orile, Agboju, Mile 2, Ikotun and Alaba to mention a few. It is not just that heap of waste is on a spot but on a long stretch of portions of the highways in many of these areas on important road.
However, this is still the case in many parts of Lagos, despite the government’s claim that additional resources have been deployed to support ongoing efforts, while strategic interventions are being implemented to strengthen operational efficiency and improve waste collection and disposal across the affected areas.
The Governor has charged the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and all other departments in that sector to double down on their efforts.
Lagos is a complex, quickly growing megacity with daily garbage generation of over 13,000 tonnes, one of the highest on the African continent. While there can be some hiccups in operations in such a dynamic ecosystem, the capability, determination and resolve of the Government to tackle them is not in doubt.
“We want to reassure residents, this is a short-term challenge. “We’re already seeing significant progress in a number of locations and more improvements will be visible across the state in the days ahead.
“Over the years, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration has invested heavily in environmental sustainability, waste management infrastructure and urban renewal initiatives. These efforts are ongoing and will continue to be intensified in keeping with the government’s objective of a cleaner, safer and more liveable Lagos.
“We, therefore, appeal to residents to stay calm and confident. This is not something we are going to let fester. The Government is very conscious of the situation and is implementing a thorough response to not only clear the current build-up but to strengthen the long-term resilience of the state’s waste management system.
We also call on citizens, community leaders, market associations, businesses and other stakeholders to continue to support environmental sanitation efforts by disposing of waste responsibly and avoiding practices that block drainage channels, roadways and designated waste collection points.
The Lagos State government guarantees all residents of its steadfast commitment to protecting public health, maintaining standards of the environment and ensuring that our neighbourhoods remain clean, safe and conducive for all. “A cleaner Lagos is not just a dream but a promise we will keep.
Akeem Salami, a resident of Ago-palace, claimed the direction has rather increased the rubbish in the neighbourhood with more refuse placed along the road instead of reducing it.
He said the action is a failure of both the government and the residents but the citizens may say the PSP operators have not been coming as at even due.
He urged the governor to match his words with action so that the garbage can go away from the road. “I am not happy whenever I drive through the main road and see the heap of waste,” he said and added that he was excited when he learned about the governor’s decision. I am disappointed though that one week later nothing seems to be happening. It’s not good. Not good at all.”
Also speaking, Tajudeen Adebayo, a resident of Orile, said he doubted if anything was done after the governor’s directive. He said nothing seems to have changed in respect of the garbage that has taken over different areas of Lagos highways and communities.
“If there really was action by the governor’s instruction, it will be visible to the eyes, but nothing has changed. “Heaps of refuse are still there in Orile and surrounding communities and it is not as if they were packed and residents dump another waste at the locations,” Adebayo remarked.
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