Major roads across Lagos have been taken over by heaps of refuse following the Yuletide season, as several Private Sector Participation (PSP) waste operators engaged by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) reportedly abandoned their collection duties.
The lapse has forced residents to dump waste on road medians and other unauthorized points, resulting in foul odours, blocked roadways, and growing environmental and public health concerns.
Areas severely affected include Agbelekale–Command Road in Alimosho LGA, Ekoro Road–Captain Junction, Agege Pen Cinema, Ilamoye Bus Stop along the Apapa–Oshodi Expressway, and Magodo Phase 2, where residents say waste bins have been overflowing for more than a week due to the absence of PSP collectors.
Reacting to the situation, LAWMA Managing Director, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, condemned the practice of dumping refuse on road medians, describing it as illegal and unacceptable. He said the agency has intensified efforts to curb the trend through joint enforcement operations and the immediate evacuation of accumulated waste across affected areas.
Gbadegesin further disclosed that 27 PSP operators have had their contracts terminated in 2025 over poor performance, with their service areas reassigned to more capable operators. He added that LAWMA is closely monitoring PSP activities and will continue to apply corrective measures, including warnings, sanctions, and reallocation of routes, to ensure effective waste management and compliance with environmental regulations.