- Lagos is the smallest state in Nigeria but is the most populous as millions of other Nigerians thronged to the State for a better life due to the economic advantage it has over other states of the Federation
Recently, complaints about the troubling state of sanitation in Lagos State sparked a heated debate online. Some state residents, among them social media influencers, took to social media to express their displeasure at how the state reeks of offensive odour due to poor sanitation and the government’s inability to tackle waste management challenges and open defecation.
However, what appeared to be harmless and genuine criticism of the government’s inability to address the state’s sanitation challenges soon turned to bigotry fest as pro-government voices slammed the critics for criticising the government and asked them to go back to their home state if they couldn’t withstand the putrid smell that oozes in many parts of the state or if they were not satisfied with the way things were done in Lagos.
Sanitation in Lagos.
Lagos is the smallest state in Nigeria but is the most populous as millions of other Nigerians thronged to the State for a better life due to the economic advantage it has over other states of the Federation. While the influx of people to the state has its numerous advantages, it comes with severe drawbacks, one of which is keeping the state clean. From open defecation and urination by careless residents to indiscriminate disposal of waste and refuse by the roadside which most time spilt into the drainage and then clogged it, leading to flooding, Lagos’ sanitation challenges and waste management problems are as much the mess of the citizen as it is that of the government.
How the hoopla began
While speaking on the KK show podcast, controversial social media influencer and real estate critic Scott Iguma lamented the outrageous prices land and houses are being sold for in Lagos State. According to him, there is no justification for these prices, adding that “Lagos is smelling, we’ve big mosquitoes, lot of open drainages, open gutters,” he then added that Lagos State should not be compared to NewYork. Iguma’s assertion triggered a mixed reaction on social media. While some corroborated his claim on the foul smell in the state, others chastised him and deemed his scathing remark an attempt to smear the image of the state.
Reacting to Iguma’s statement, a palpably displeased commissioner for environment and Water resources, shared the sentiment of those who feel Iguma’s criticism was not well-intentioned and reeks of calumny.
He said “ The deliberate efforts by a handful of individuals to tarnish the reputation of Lagos State are deeply concerning. It is regrettable that some who relocate from their home states in pursuit of better opportunities quickly, in less than a month or two, resort to disparaging the very state that has provided them with the platform to thrive. Leveraging social media followings, these individuals propagate harmful narratives, often aligned with divisive agendas, undermining the progress and inclusivity that Lagos represents.
“While constructive criticism is essential for growth, malicious attempts to vilify a state that empowers countless lives daily are counterproductive. Lagos remains a place of opportunity, innovation, and resilience, and it is imperative that we collectively uphold its integrity while fostering unity and progress.
Dear @IgumaScott, I do hope that you will put this same energy into ‘looking out’ for other states. I wish you all the best”
However, the commissioner’s response only inflamed passion and poured fuel on a raging fire as some feel he resorted to a dog whistle to whip up ethnic sentiments while ignoring the substance of Iguma’s claim. In a reply to the commissioner’s comedian, Acapella equipped, “Would the truth be valid if it was said by a Lagosian? Or it’s an automatic lie cos it’s said by someone from another region living in Lagos. This divide-and-rule tactic needs to stop.
“The interviewer compared Lagos To New York. He countered it with Lagos’s reality. You Dey here dey yarn dust.. Yoruba people no full UK? Don’t they complain about unfavourable policies over there?”
The flurry of exchanges that characterised the argument somewhat morphed into vitriol, vituperation and name-calling.
What we are doing
Following the media frenzy that Iguma’s criticism and the commissioner’s reaction sparked, the commissioner disclosed the measure being taken by the state government to tackle waste management challenges.
Shift away from linear waste disposal
The commissioner disclosed that the state government has signed a “landmark agreement” with ZoomLion Nigeria, a subsidiary of the Jospong Group. According to him, the partnership is a bold step forward to overhaul and modernise how the state manages the over 13,000 tonnes of waste generated daily in the state.
Enforcement of the ban on Single-Use Plastics
He said “From July 1, 2025, @followlasg will commence full enforcement of the ban on Single Use Plastics (SUPs). We’ve been intentional and strategic with 18 months of dialogue, engagement and transition. Now, it’s time to act.
“The State has been very strategic and intentional about the ban of Single Use Plastics (SUPs). Within the space of almost 18 months, we have had a series of stakeholders’ engagements with marketers and producers of these products.”
On the issue of open defecation along the Lagos – Ibadan expressway;
He disclosed that “Around August of 2024, the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources initiated a cleanup exercise of the Lagos section of the Lagos – Ibadan expressway (Berger bus stop to Otedola bridge).
“We also ensured its sustainability by ensuring that the State Taskforce team of the @LAGESCOfficial is stationed round the clock to monitor and arrest anyone defecating in the median.”
On indiscriminate dumping of refuse:
He stated “Over the past few months, LAWMA has received repeated reports of indiscriminate waste dumping on the Alapere Link Bridge. Despite several rounds of public sensitization and direct engagement with the community, the illegal activity has continued—undermining the work of our accredited PSP operators and threatening public health and the environment.
“Yesterday, 20th May 2025, one of our field officers—working with a nearby trader who volunteered to support our surveillance efforts—captured this video of an unknown offender in the act of dumping refuse illegally at the location.
“This individual has reportedly engaged in this behaviour repeatedly over months. Thanks to the courage of our field team, we now have clear visual evidence.
“While efforts are underway to trace the offender through his license plate number, we want to allow civic-minded members of the public to get involved in the war on that intent on destroying Lagos”
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