On Thursday, authorities sealed off the Nordic Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, after allegations surfaced that the hotel was releasing untreated wastewater directly into public drainage systems. This action, which reportedly resulted in unpleasant odours and environmental pollution in the area, was carried out by the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO), according to the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab.
Wahab shared this update through an official statement on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting that the enforcement operation on 9th October 2025 at 258 Kofo Abayomi Street was based on public complaints. He stated, “Following several public complaints and our continuous efforts to create a safer, cleaner, and more sustainable Lagos, the LSWMO has sealed the Nordic Hotel for the deliberate release of untreated wastewater into public drains, causing an offensive odour, creating a public nuisance, and endangering the environment and human health.”
The commissioner urged Lagos residents and business owners to adopt proper wastewater management practices and maintain hygiene, emphasising the collective responsibility to safeguard public health and the environment. “Improper handling of wastewater does not just pollute our surroundings, it threatens lives and disrupts the ecosystem,” he noted.
Waste Management and Environmental Concerns on Lagos Island
The situation at Nordic Hotel is just the latest in a series of environmental challenges facing Lagos Island and its environs. Reports point to a rising tide of sanitation issues in neighbourhoods like Broad Street, Itafaji, and Adeniji Adele. There, residents have voiced concerns about Styrofoam waste, open defecation, and exposed manholes, all of which present serious risks to public health and safety.
Despite the Lagos State government’s ban on Styrofoam and other single-use plastics such as takeaway packs, cups, and nylon bags, these persistent non-biodegradable materials continue to clog drainage channels and litter public spaces. This raises the spectre of severe flooding—an issue that regularly plagues Lagos during the rainy season.
Gaps in Enforcement and Local Realities
Many Lagosians are sceptical about the effectiveness of enforcement efforts. Residents along Ibraimoh-Igbo Street in Itafaji, for example, describe witnessing regular open defecation and the dumping of food waste into shallow gutters, undermining the government’s sanitation goals.
According to Gift Paul, who recently moved into the area, “I have had to endure this foul-smelling environment for months. It’s not uncommon to see elderly women defecating openly or washing themselves as the gutter flows behind several houses.” Her account echoes similar testimonials from other residents frustrated by inadequate waste facilities and sporadic sanitation enforcement.
Uncovered Manholes: A Persistent Urban Hazard
Beyond sanitation, public safety remains a top concern for many on Lagos Island. Uncovered or poorly managed manholes, particularly around Lagos Island East Council and Broad Street, pose life-threatening dangers to pedestrians and motorists alike. “Last week, someone placed a tyre to mark an open manhole, but it’s already gone. Anyone—whether walking or driving—could fall in,” recounted Chizoba Okere, a daily commuter. Such incidents have become worryingly common despite repeated calls for improved urban maintenance.
Plastic Ban: Policies and Impact
The Lagos State government began strictly enforcing its ban on single-use plastics in July, warning that shops and outlets found selling or storing these materials could face closure and prosecution. Commissioner Wahab has repeatedly assured the public that the policy aims to transition the market towards more sustainable packaging alternatives, not to risk jobs or livelihoods. He stated, “Sustainable packaging creates new opportunities for local manufacturers and helps preserve our environment for future generations.”
While some progress is evident in formal commercial districts, informal markets and lower-income communities still struggle to comply due to cost and accessibility barriers. Analysts suggest more support is needed for small traders to shift to affordable, eco-friendly alternatives.
Civic Activism Spurs Rapid Response
Grassroots advocacy and media attention have also played a critical role in holding authorities accountable. In a recent example, broadcast journalist Deji Bademosi erected a billboard near Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja to highlight the dangers posed by a large, open manhole. Within hours, state officials responded by securing the site. “I hope the government addresses all other exposed manholes before further accidents occur,” Bademosi shared in a Facebook video—a sentiment echoed by residents across Lagos.
Expert Insights: “We Need Systemic Solutions”
Environmental experts argue that while enforcement against polluters like hotels is necessary, comprehensive solutions are needed for long-term impact. According to an urban planner based in Lagos, “There must be sustained investment in waste treatment infrastructure, better public education, and consistent monitoring—not just periodic crackdowns.”
A policy advisor from the Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria added that the situation in Lagos highlights a broader challenge facing rapidly growing African cities: “Many urban centres in West Africa lack the facilities and legal frameworks to control both plastic waste and untreated sewage, so collaboration between government, private sector, and the community is essential.”
Lagos in Global Perspective
Cities globally are grappling with similar issues. According to World Bank data, about 2.01 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste are generated each year worldwide, with lower-income countries often experiencing the most acute collection and treatment gaps. In sub-Saharan Africa, less than 44% of waste is properly managed, contributing to pollution, flooding, and disease risk. Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to switch to more sustainable urban management practices are closely watched across the region, offering both cautionary lessons and potential models for countries such as Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.
Community Action and the Path Forward
Ultimately, lasting change will require a joint approach. Residents are calling on the government to step up enforcement of environmental regulations, swiftly clear blocked drains, and repair hazardous open manholes before the height of the rainy season. At the same time, citizens are encouraged to do their part by following waste disposal guidelines and speaking out when standards are not upheld.
As Lagos continues to grow, the need for balanced, collaborative solutions becomes increasingly urgent—not just to meet legal standards, but to protect public health and the environment for generations to come.
How do you think Lagos and other African cities can best tackle urban sanitation and pollution challenges? What solutions have worked in your community? Drop your views in the comments and stay engaged for new developments.
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