Refuse Piles Stay in Lagos Despite Promises from Waste Managers

The waste problem in Lagos continues, with people in Ejigbo and Idimu complaining about heaps of rubbish that have been on the road medians for four months.

Residents say these piles of waste, found on the median linking Ejigbo and Idimu, have not been cleared despite many complaints to the authorities.

During a visit to the area on Sunday, our reporter saw heaps of rubbish spread across the medians at different spots, especially near the Dorcas and Church bus stops.

People living there said both Private Sector Participation operators and officials from the Lagos State Waste Management Authority had not cleaned up the waste.

A resident, Seun Ajayi, mentioned that the rubbish has been on the median since May, which means August marks four months since it was left unattended.

He said, “The refuse has been here since May. Nobody has come to evacuate it. We have continued to live with the waste, and the situation is becoming unbearable.

“August makes it four months since the refuse was dumped here. The PSP operators come around, but this particular heap has remained here. We need the authorities to intervene and ensure that it is evacuated.”

Another resident, Adeola, said the rubbish has become a disgrace for drivers, commuters, and others using the road.

She said, “This is a major road connecting Ejigbo and Idimu, yet you can see refuse everywhere on the median. It has been there for months. This road is not known for the presence of refuse such as this. This is strange. We have called the attention of waste managers to it, but nothing is being done.”

Further along the area, our reporter noticed more heaps of rubbish littering the stretch from OPC Junction to Idimu Bus Stop.

As the road got closer to Idimu Bus Stop, one of the piles had grown to a height nearly as tall as a car, leaving a huge pile of waste beside the road.

Residents said this problem is not new, pointing out that rubbish often sits for weeks before being cleared.

One person, who chose to remain anonymous, said rubbish piles are often left for weeks before they are taken away.

“This is a regular sight here. The refuse will be gathered, and it can remain there for almost two months before they come to evacuate it.

“Sometimes, the heaps become so large that they begin to obstruct the road and constitute an eyesore. This particular situation has continued for a long time,” the resident said.

Another resident, Martins, said this ongoing rubbish problem is making it hard for residents to keep their surroundings clean.

He said, “The authorities need to do something about this. It is not enough to evacuate refuse once in a while. There should be regular evacuation because people generate waste every day.

“Look at the size of the heap around Idimu Bus Stop. It has become very high, and people who pass through this road see it every day.”

This situation comes just two weeks after the Lagos State Waste Management Authority assured residents that the issue of rubbish heaps around the city would soon be resolved with a new plan.

The Managing Director of LAWMA, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, gave this promise on Tuesday during the opening of the repaired Road E and new disposal platforms at the Olusosun Disposal Facility in Ojota.

For about six months, from August 2025 into early 2026, residents all over Lagos repeatedly expressed worries about the worsening waste management, as rubbish piled up on road medians, streets, and major highways in many areas of the state.

Unfortunately, the problem has continued in some areas even after several efforts by the state government and LAWMA.

Attempts to get a response from the LAWMA boss on Monday were unsuccessful. Calls and WhatsApp messages sent to him were not answered by the time of filing this report.