A public disagreement has emerged between the Lagos State Government and African Democratic Congress governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, over the management of waste disposal and flooding in the state.
The exchange followed comments made by Rhodes-Vivour during a television interview in which he criticised environmental conditions in Lagos and raised concerns about waste accumulation and flooding.
Responding to the remarks, Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, defended the government’s efforts, arguing that waste management in the state involves a complex system that extends beyond routine refuse collection.
According to Wahab, Lagos generates between 13,000 and 15,000 tonnes of waste daily, with waste management authorities and private operators evacuating an average of about 13,200 tonnes each day in May 2026.
He acknowledged existing operational challenges, including collection delays and underperforming service providers, but insisted that significant investments were being made to improve efficiency.
The commissioner cited upgrades at disposal facilities and ongoing projects such as transfer loading stations, recycling facilities and the proposed Epe waste-to-energy project as part of broader reforms.
On flooding, Wahab attributed some of the challenges to Lagos’ coastal geography, tidal influences and climate change, arguing that even advanced drainage systems cannot completely eliminate flash flooding in a city of its size.
He claimed government interventions had significantly reduced flooding incidents across the state.
Rhodes-Vivour, however, dismissed the explanation, arguing that residents continue to experience the effects of poor waste management and inadequate drainage infrastructure.
He maintained that uncollected refuse often finds its way into drainage channels during rainfall, worsening flood risks across communities.
The ADC candidate proposed expanded drainage networks, additional road construction, shoreline protection measures and the deployment of high-capacity water pumps to improve flood control.
The exchange highlights issues likely to dominate political discussions ahead of the 2027 Lagos governorship election, with environmental management expected to remain a major concern for residents.
