Lagos State Faces Urgent Waste Management Crisis

Lagos State has been grappling with waste management issues for the past six months, leading to environmental degradation and public health risks. The state’s Commissioner for Environment, Tokunbo Wahab, publicly apologized to residents for the ongoing challenges in waste management.

A report released in December 2025 highlighted the health impacts of poorly managed solid waste, warning that it contributes to public health crises. Dr. Ruedig Krech, Director of the Department of Environment, Climate Change, and Health at the World Health Organization, stressed that improper waste management leads to air, water, and soil pollution, which poses significant health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women.

The report called for urgent action to improve waste management practices, including reducing waste generation, expanding reliable waste collection services, and promoting recycling initiatives. It emphasized the need for a coordinated, multi-sectoral response to address these challenges effectively.