Popular Nigerian comedienne and skitmaker Taaooma has raised alarm over the increasing problem of illegal waste disposal in Lagos State, drawing attention to what she described as an environmental eyesore and public health risk.
In a video shared on social media, Taaooma showed heaps of refuse dumped on a road median along the Ikotun–Ejigbo–Egbeda axis, while residents were seen going about their daily activities seemingly unbothered by the situation.
Tagging relevant authorities, including the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), and the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, the skitmaker called for urgent intervention. “What’s happening in the Ikotun/Ejigbo/Egbeda axis like this?” she wrote. “Kindly help look into this.”
Her post quickly sparked widespread reactions from social media users, many of whom claimed the issue extends far beyond the areas highlighted. Several users described illegal dumping as a common sight across Lagos Mainland, mentioning communities such as Shomolu, Mushin, Ketu, Oshodi, Surulere, and Yaba.
One user, identified as #AWholeSalmanPR, described the situation as pervasive, saying, “It’s everywhere in Lagos Mainland… everywhere is full of dirty.” Another commenter, #ayurexars, criticised the state government’s approach, arguing that the practice has been indirectly normalised. According to him, instead of sanctioning offenders, waste trucks are often sent to collect refuse dumped illegally, encouraging residents to continue the behaviour.
Adding to the criticism, #NejeebBello lamented what he described as the dirtiest state Lagos has been in years. “Coming from Detty December to Dirty January, 2025 is the nastiest I’ve seen Lagos since the early 2000s,” he wrote, alleging that some residents have even moved out of their neighbourhoods due to overwhelming garbage, foul odours, and fears of a potential epidemic.
The growing outcry has once again placed the spotlight on waste management and environmental sanitation in Africa’s most populous city, with many calling on authorities to enforce stricter regulations and adopt sustainable solutions to curb the menace.
