Lagos is not smelling, 15,000 street sweepers deployed daily — Commissioner
…Outlines transformative measures to address waste landfill management in Lagos
…To close Olusosun, Solous landfills in 18 months
By Sodiq Adelakun
The Lagos State Government has dismissed recent viral claims that the city is “smelling,” instead emphasising that Lagos is evolving into a cleaner, more sustainable, and resilient metropolis.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, addressed these concerns on Sunday in response to growing criticism on social media.
In an official statement, Wahab outlined the state’s ongoing efforts to enhance waste management, modernise landfill operations, and advance environmental sustainability, reaffirming the government’s commitment to making Lagos more liveable.
“Lagos is not ‘smelling’; it is evolving—moving towards sustainable waste processing, upgraded landfill management, cleaner waterways, and structured sanitation systems,” he affirmed.
Wahab further emphasised that the government’s approach to addressing environmental challenges in one of the world’s fastest-growing megacities is based on long-term, structural solutions rather than political rhetoric.
He detailed several key initiatives designed to tackle waste and sanitation challenges, including: An improved air quality monitoring system; Expanded waste collection services.
“Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration is committed to creating a cleaner and more sustainable Lagos. We have developed strategic initiatives to improve waste management, reduce pollution, and provide cleaner public spaces,” Wahab stated.
Among the most significant ongoing projects, the state government has announced plans to close the Olusosun and Solous III landfills within the next 18 months. These sites will be repurposed into modern Transfer Loading Stations (TLS), where waste will be sorted, compacted, and redirected to recycling centres.
Additionally, the state is advancing a waste-to-energy project in Epe, which is expected to process 2,500 tonnes of solid waste daily and generate up to 80 megawatts of electricity for the Lagos power grid.
To improve waste collection efficiency, the government is set to deploy an additional 500 tricycle compactors this year, targeting hard-to-reach areas, including non-motorable roads in Ibeju-Lekki.
Furthermore, Lagos has recently banned the use of styrofoam food containers and single-use plastics, urging manufacturers to adopt eco-friendly alternatives under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programme.
Wahab highlighted that the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has successfully reduced industrial effluent discharge into waterways by 25%, with stricter regulations now in place to curb illegal waste dumping.
He added that: 15,000 street sweepers are deployed daily across Lagos; 150 new public toilets are under construction, adding to the 1,710 already in operation.
As part of its environmental sustainability drive, the government has launched the “Trees for Lagos” campaign, which aims to plant 50,000 trees over the next two years. These trees will help increase green cover, reduce air pollution, and mitigate the urban heat island effect.
They will be strategically planted along highways, railway routes, schools, hospitals, and industrial zones.
The state government has signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with international partners to develop waste-to-resource projects, supporting Lagos’ ambition to become a leader in waste recovery, recycling, and renewable energy generation.
Wahab concluded by reiterating the administration’s vision for a cleaner and more environmentally responsible Lagos:
“Our government remains committed to ensuring that Lagos is at the forefront of waste recovery, recycling, and energy generation.
“The transformation of our city into a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment is a collective effort, and we will continue to prioritise environmental sustainability for the benefit of all residents.”
