Centre of Excellence drowning in filth: Mountains of refuse now welcome residents and commuters in Oshodi, Lagos State on may 29, 2026.
Photo: Peace Udugba
By peace udugba
Mountains of refuse now choke Oshodi, one of Lagos’ busiest commercial hubs, turning roadsides into dumps and raising fears of a public health crisis in the self-styled “Centre of Excellence.”
The Daily Torch media, investigation found heaps of plastic bottles, food waste, nylon bags, and debris spilling onto major roads and pedestrian walkways. Traders and thousands of daily commuters wade through the stench and swarms of flies and rodents just to do business and get to work.
This environment is not healthy for anybody, said a trader who asked not to be named. People trade here every day. Commuters pass through in thousands. Government must clear this waste now, before disease spreads.
Residents and commuters blame indiscriminate dumping and irregular evacuation by waste contractors for the crisis. Many say the piles have narrowed roads, slowed traffic, and driven customers away from shops.
Public health experts warn that stagnant waste breeds mosquitoes, rats, and bacteria that cause cholera, typhoid, and Lassa fever. With the rainy season underway, residents fear floodwater will wash the waste into drains and homes.
The situation also dents Lagos’ reputation. “We call Lagos the Centre of Excellence,” another resident said. “But visitors to Oshodi will think otherwise.
Residents are calling on the Lagos State Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, and other environmental agencies to evacuate the dumps immediately and enforce stricter sanitation laws. They also urged the public to stop dumping waste on roadsides and use designated bins.
Until then, Oshodi remains a cautionary tale: a commercial powerhouse struggling under the weight of its own garbage.
