09/09/2026
Lagos State govt playing blame game instead of solving Lagos waste crisis, rising insecurity in Lekki, Ajah, Ojo, Orile, etc. may cost APC a major loss in Lagos State in 2027 — Residents
–Lagos Reporters
Growing frustration over poor waste management and rising cases of hoodlum attacks in parts of Lagos may negatively affect the political fortunes of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections, residents have warned.
Residents who spoke with Lagos Reporters accused the Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government of engaging in what they described as a “blame game” rather than taking decisive action to address the worsening environmental and security challenges confronting Lagosians.
According to them, heaps of refuse have continued to litter major roads, residential communities, schools and other public spaces across parts of the state, while residents in areas including Lekki, Orile, Ojo and other communities have raised concerns over attacks and harassment allegedly carried out by hoodlums on the roads.
Some residents said they feel increasingly neglected and unheard, arguing that the government should focus more on providing effective public services rather than blaming citizens for environmental problems.
A major concern raised by residents is the continued difficulty experienced by Private Sector Participation (PSP) waste operators in disposing of refuse at landfill sites.
Some waste truck drivers reportedly told Lagos Reporters that they sometimes spend several days, and in extreme cases up to a week, waiting to dispose of waste at designated dumpsites.
The delays, they said, have contributed to the slow evacuation of refuse from communities, leaving waste piles to accumulate along major highways and residential areas.
The Lagos State Government had previously announced plans to decommission the Olusosun landfill site, with Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, repeatedly speaking about the government's intention to move towards a new waste management system.
However, residents argued that the continued challenges faced by waste operators suggest that more urgent and practical measures are needed to prevent Lagos from being overwhelmed by refuse.
They also criticised situations where residents who pay for waste collection services allegedly go for long periods without their refuse being collected.
“People are paying their waste bills, but in some areas, PSP operators do not come regularly to collect the refuse. When residents complain, they feel the government is blaming them instead of addressing the problem,” a resident told Lagos Reporters.
The latest controversy followed warnings by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) that individuals patronising traders operating illegally on roads could face enforcement action.
While the government maintains that roadside trading contributes to environmental and traffic problems, some residents believe authorities must first ensure that illegal trading is effectively prevented and that those responsible for enforcement carry out their duties.
Residents said the growing dissatisfaction over waste management, insecurity and other basic services could have political consequences if the concerns are not urgently addressed.
According to them, the APC-controlled government in Lagos cannot afford to ignore public frustration as the state moves closer to the 2027 elections.
“The government must understand that people are watching. Lagosians want solutions, not excuses or constant blame. If these issues continue without improvement, it could affect how people vote in 2027,” another resident told Lagos Reporters.
As political activities gradually build towards the 2027 general elections, the handling of major issues such as environmental sanitation, security, transportation and other public services may become increasingly important in determining public confidence in the ruling party.
For many Lagosians, the message remains clear: government must move beyond blame and provide the effective services residents elected it to deliver.
