Waste Overruns Kola Median On Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway

A heap of waste has taken over the median of the Kola section of the Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway, raising environmental and safety concerns.

The refuse, which stretches across a long distance, is already encroaching on the main carriageway, posing risks to motorists and pedestrians.

THE WHISTLER’s correspondent, who visited the area on Thursday, also observed bagged and scattered waste at Ijaiye, Alakuko, and near the toll gate along the corridor.

A roadside puff-puff seller, who identified himself as Ahmed, said the waste had been piling up for about three months.

According to him, waste managers had not been coming to evacuate refuse in the area.

In December 2025, the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, acknowledged residents’ concerns over waste accumulation in some parts of the state.

In a statement, Wahab explained that the ongoing decommissioning of the Olusosun landfill had necessitated changes in waste disposal logistics.

“Refuse previously destined for Olusosun is now being transported to alternative facilities in Epe and Badagry. This change has, understandably, increased turnaround times for some Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators and created temporary pressure within the evacuation system,” he said.

He added that the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) had been directed to provide immediate support in areas where PSP operators were overwhelmed.

“Intervention activities are actively ongoing, particularly at identified black spots across the state. Furthermore, to enhance LAWMA’s capacity, discussions are ongoing about the procurement and deployment of additional trucks to improve response times and ensure more efficient evacuation,” the commissioner said.

Wahab also disclosed that the state government was strengthening enforcement measures to curb illegal dumping.

“A dedicated Task Force has been established to specifically combat illegal roadside dumping and indiscriminate waste disposal caused majorly by illegal road side trading throughout Lagos. This team will be strategically deployed and fully empowered to enforce environmental laws without exception with their 24 hours surveillance and enforcement operations,” he said.

However, one month after Wahab’s statement, waste continues to pile up in Ijaiye, Kola, Alakuko, and other sections along the busy Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway.