Lagos State has recently been in the news due to an environmental sanitation crisis that is contributing to worsening air quality and accusations of it being an unpleasant place to live.
State officials, particularly the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, have been vocal in defending the government, stating that the crisis is not due to a lack of effort.
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“We are not where we want to be, but we are not idle. We work round the clock to engage and improve the situation,” he said during a television appearance on Wednesday.
The state government is intensifying efforts to shed its unwanted reputation as a foul-smelling city by phasing out the use of the notorious Olusosun Dumpsite in Ojota, Lagos.
The dumpsite, one of Africa’s largest open landfills, has been in use for over two decades. It has raised concerns due to recurring fires, hazardous emissions, and its proximity to homes and businesses.
Although the Lagos State Government had previously expressed its intention to shut it down, efforts stalled due to the lack of alternative facilities.
In October 2024, the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) announced plans to permanently shut down the Olusosun landfill.
LAWMA Managing Director, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the state government had entered into a partnership to cover the Olusosun (Ojota) and Solous (Igando) landfills with geotextiles within 18 months.
In pursuit of that goal, the Lagos State Government on Monday signed an agreement with ZoomLion Nigeria, a subsidiary of the Jospong Group, to construct a new Transfer Loading Station at the Olusosun dumpsite.
This move is expected to pave the way for the eventual closure of one of the state’s most notorious landfill sites.
In a statement on Wednesday, Wahab said the agreement marked a significant step in waste management across Lagos State, through a partnership aimed at addressing the 13,000 tonnes of waste generated daily.
“Through this agreement, the state will build a Transfer Loading Station (TLS) at the Olusosun dumpsite, enabling the complete shutdown of Olusosun and facilitating the daily transfer of 2,500 tonnes of waste to a new Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Ikorodu,” the Commissioner said.
“This agreement, which is expected to generate at least 5,000 direct and indirect jobs, will also ensure the construction of a similar facility at the Solous III dumpsite in Igando, with 1,500 tonnes of waste redirected to another new recovery centre in Badagry.
“It also aligns with the state’s broader environmental agenda, demonstrating a commitment to transforming Lagos into a model mega-city with global standards in urban hygiene and environmental management. It’s about taking the right steps towards cleaner streets, better health, and a more liveable Lagos for everyone.”
The planned transition from reliance on landfills to a more structured waste recovery and recycling system mirrors successful strategies adopted in many global cities.
The closure of the Olusosun dumpsite would represent a major environmental victory for advocates who have long raised concerns about the dangers it poses.
The Sordid History of Olusosun Dumpsite
When the Olusosun landfill was established in the 1950s, it was located on the outskirts of Lagos and intended to handle waste from homes and businesses. However, as Lagos rapidly expanded, residential, commercial, and industrial developments surrounded the site.
This growth has led to serious environmental problems. Research shows that people living within five kilometres of a landfill are at risk of health issues. Many nearby residents suffer from respiratory problems due to harmful substances released from the waste. Other dangers include fire outbreaks, toxic gas exposure, injuries to children playing near the site, and the spread of diseases by mosquitoes, flies, and rats. Local plant and animal life has also been affected.
Studies have shown that residents near the dumpsite frequently suffer from waterborne diseases such as typhoid, cholera, and dysentery. Groundwater around the area was tested using samples from wells and boreholes, and the results confirmed that the landfill was the source of contamination. Surprisingly, pollution levels did not decrease with distance from the site, indicating a more complex problem that will require a comprehensive solution.
In addition to health concerns, the dumpsite has become a haven for criminals and scrap scavengers. The quality of the soil has deteriorated, and vegetation has significantly declined due to constant dumping. These issues have led to growing public concern.
In March 2018, former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode closed the landfill, declaring it unsafe for both nearby residents and businesses.
Prior to the closure, there had been a sudden fire outbreak at the site—an event common to many dumpsites globally. These fires, whether small or large, release harmful gases such as formaldehyde and hydrogen sulphide, which pose serious health risks to those living nearby.
FURTHER READING
Environmental advocates now hope that the current closure plan will finally lead to the permanent shutdown of this infamous landfill.
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