Oshodi Residents, Traders Lament Mounting Refuse, Call For Urgent Evacuation
By Sherif Salau
Residents and traders in Oshodi have appealed to relevant authorities to urgently evacuate mounting heaps of refuse obstructing traffic, disrupting business activities and posing environmental health concerns around the busy bus stop.
The accumulating waste has spilled onto roadsides, pedestrian walkways and sections of the busy transport corridor, creating an unsightly and foul-smelling environment. Commuters navigating the bus stop complain of the persistent stench, while traders say the refuse is affecting their businesses and making the surroundings uncomfortable for customers.
One of the traders spoke with visible frustration while attending to customers. “This refuse has been here for weeks now. We pay our waste charges regularly, yet nothing is done. The smell is terrible. My children no longer come to the shop because of it. We are appealing to the government to please clear it promptly.”
Nearby, a commuter waiting for a bus covered his nose as he spoke. “Every day I pass here, the heap is bigger. You can smell it from a distance. It is not just an eyesore; it is a health hazard. People are walking through it, and scavengers are sorting through the rubbish. Something urgent needs to be done.”
Many residents insist the problem has lingered longer than it should, despite repeated appeals for intervention. They note that waste continues to build up even as they fulfil their obligations by paying disposal charges. With the rainy season still active, there are fears that the heaps could block drainage channels and worsen flooding in the already congested community.
Oshodi remains one of Lagos’ busiest commercial and transport hubs, generating high volumes of waste daily due to its dense population and constant movement of people. Previous efforts by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) have included emergency clearances and the deployment of trucks, yet residents say the gains are often short-lived when regular collection is not sustained.
Locals are now calling for immediate and thorough evacuation of the refuse around the bus terminal and adjoining areas. They want the relevant authorities to restore cleanliness to the corridor and put in place measures that prevent a quick return of the heaps.
