Wahab and Rhodes-Vivour Clash Over Lagos Waste Issues

Tokunbo Wahab, the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, and Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the 2027 Lagos governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, engaged in a disagreement regarding waste management and flooding in Lagos. This dispute arose after Rhodes-Vivour's comments on Channels Television's Politics Today, where he criticized the state for its waste management practices, calling Lagos “stinking.” Wahab acknowledged some of Rhodes-Vivour’s concerns but argued it was misleading to claim the government lacked a plan beyond clearing refuse.

He cited that Lagos generates 13,000 to 15,000 tonnes of municipal waste daily and that approximately 418,500 tonnes were evacuated in May 2026. Wahab explained that waste management is interconnected, with delays at disposal facilities impacting collection schedules.

He mentioned improvements at the Olusosun landfill and ongoing investments in sustainable waste management initiatives, including recycling and a waste-to-energy project. Wahab also noted the government's efforts to reform the Private Sector Participation system in waste management.