On Tuesday, March 25, 2025, something refreshing happened in Lagos. Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, joined a live Ask Lagos Space on X (formerly Twitter) as one of the guest speakers in an open, public discussion on one of the city’s most recent debate: Lagos is Smelling
It wasn’t the usual press release or government memo. This was live, direct, and honest. And Lagosians showed up.
Here’s a recap of what was shared, the key insights, and the ideas that could shape a cleaner future for the city we all call home.
The Problem: A Growing City, A Growing Waste Crisis
Lagos is now home to an estimated 22 million people, generating roughly 15,000 tons of waste every day. That’s the equivalent of filling over 1,000 dump trucks with trash daily.
While some neighborhoods manage fairly well, others struggle. And yes — the Commissioner openly acknowledged what many Lagosians complain about: that the city often smells, and in some places, quite badly.
But it’s not just the waste itself. It’s the behaviors around it — from open defecation to indiscriminate dumping on roadsides and canals. Mr. Wahab emphasized that laws exist to prevent this, and enforcement agencies are doing their part. But to truly make progress, everyone must be involved.
What’s the Way Forward? 4 Key Proposals from the Conversation
The session wasn’t just about complaints. It was full of practical suggestions — from both the Commissioner and residents alike. Here are four standout ideas:
1. Local Governments Must Lead at the Frontlines
Waste issues are most visible at the grassroots. That’s why participants stressed the importance of empowering local government chairmen, Community Development Associations (CDAs), and traditional leaders to take more ownership.
The Commissioner confirmed that his ministry is already working closely with LGAs to ensure sanitation gets the attention it deserves, not just from Alausa, but from every ward and street.
2. Catch Them Young – Make Waste Education a Culture
If we want change that lasts, we need to start with the next generation. One of the most popular ideas was to embed sanitation education into schools, homes, and community centers — turning them into places where children can learn about environmental responsibility from an early age.
Over time, this could create a culture where throwing waste on the street just feels… wrong.
3. Whistleblowing, But With Rewards
What if citizens could report illegal dumping, open defecation, or other violations — and get rewarded for it?
A participant suggested reviving a whistleblower system with incentives for those who speak up. It could make enforcement smarter and faster while encouraging more people to get involved.
4. Speak Loud, Speak Everywhere
Awareness matters — and the message needs to reach everyone.
From markets to bus parks, churches to mosques, the Commissioner emphasized the need for aggressive public sensitization campaigns. People need to understand not just how to dispose of waste properly, but why it matters — for their health, for their neighborhoods, and for the future of the city.
The takeaway from the Space was clear: Lagos cannot become a clean city through government action alone.
It will take a collective shift — in mindset, habits, and community ownership. The government is pledging its part through better enforcement, community partnerships, and education. But the rest is up to us: the residents, the landlords, the market women, the drivers, the schoolchildren, and everyone in between.
So, the next time you’re tempted to throw that empty sachet on the ground — remember: clean cities don’t just happen. They’re built, street by street, person by person.
The conversation has started. Now the real work begins.
Written by Temitope Awolusi
Edited by Oluwaferanmi O.
