Sagamu Local Government has taken decisive action to stop the illegal dumping of waste from Lagos State into its territory, with Executive Chairman Ogbeni Jubril Odulate vowing to protect the environment and public health. During an on-the-spot inspection on Monday at Sotubo, a community within the local government area, Odulate confirmed reports of trucks from the Lagos Waste Management Authority dumping waste without permission. The chairman emphasized that Sagamu will not be used as a dumping ground for waste from other states, especially when such actions threaten the wellbeing of residents and the environment.
Odulate revealed that he had received multiple complaints, including video evidence, from concerned citizens about the unauthorized waste disposal activities. These reports highlighted how trucks were consistently transporting waste from Lagos and dumping it at the Sotubo site, causing severe environmental degradation. The uncontrolled dumping has led to offensive odours, pollution, and serious health risks for nearby residents, school children, and road users. The situation has also created hazardous conditions along the roads, increasing the risk of accidents and disease outbreaks.
The local government chairman stressed that his administration is committed to ensuring a clean, healthy, and safe environment for all Sagamu residents. He made it clear that no individual, contractor, or organization has the right to establish a waste disposal site without proper government authorization. “Our swift intervention was necessary to verify the reports, assess the situation, and ensure that the health, safety, and environmental wellbeing of our people are not compromised,” Odulate stated during the inspection.
Community members, including Mr. Folorunso Awosanya and Mrs. Falilat Adekunle, expressed their relief and gratitude for the prompt response. They described how the illegal dumping had disrupted daily life, affecting homes, schools, and transportation routes. The foul smell and visible pollution were particularly distressing, especially during the hot weather months when odours intensify. Their appreciation underscored the importance of local leadership taking proactive steps to safeguard public health and environmental standards.
Odulate’s intervention sends a strong message that Sagamu will not tolerate environmental violations, regardless of the source. The local government is expected to take further legal and administrative actions against those responsible, including the Lagos Waste Management Authority if found in breach of regulations. This move also highlights the growing need for coordinated waste management policies across state boundaries in Nigeria. As urban waste continues to rise, local governments like Sagamu are stepping up to protect their communities from external environmental threats. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how other local councils respond to cross-state waste dumping in the future.
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