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Irregular PSP services trigger rising waste hazards across Lagos communities

Published

5 months ago

November 16, 2025

Irregular PSP services trigger rising waste hazards across Lagos communities

Residents across several Lagos communities have raised alarm over what they describe as increasingly irregular waste collection services by Private Sector Participant (PSP) operators, warning that indiscriminate dumping and burning of refuse is escalating environmental and public health risks.

In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), residents lamented prolonged gaps in waste evacuation in areas such as Ikorodu, Ayobo, Alagbado, Shasha, Ikotun, Akesan, Mafoluku, Airport Road and LASU–Iba Road. A NAN correspondent observed heaps of uncollected waste across many of the affected neighbourhoods.

In Ikorodu, businesswoman Miss Adekoya Toyosi said PSP operators no longer maintain a predictable schedule.

“Collection dropped from about three times a month to once. If the waste becomes too much and the PSP doesn’t show up, people dump it in the gutter when it rains or burn it on sunny days,” she said, adding that residents pay between ₦500 and ₦700 monthly depending on waste volume.

Another resident, Mr Timilehin Ogunnariwo, said PSP trucks often arrive already filled up, leaving inner streets untouched.

“I keep three drums in my compound, but once they overflow, rats scatter the waste. Leakage from PSP trucks in the market has also become a recurring hazard,” he noted.

Fashion designer Mrs Ajibola Mafolayanmi said she burns her waste three to four times weekly due to erratic collection.

“There’s a field where we can dispose of waste, but it’s far. Burning gives us cough and catarrh, but we have no alternative,” she said.

Mrs Ogundinmu Mariam, who monitors market waste in Ikorodu, confirmed that council evacuation occurs only sporadically. “During the rainy season, everything becomes messy and smelly. Many residents now rely on informal waste haulers,” she added.

Others, like food vendor Mrs Oluranti Favour, said cart pushers have become their main option as PSP services “now come once in a while.” Another resident, Iya Gbogo, said she pays between ₦500 and ₦1,000 weekly for private disposal since she is not registered under the PSP scheme.

In Ayobo Extension, residents blamed service disruption on poor roads and prolonged rainfall. “The operators only resurfaced after a very long time,” Mrs Gloria Ogbu said.

At Shasha, Egbeda, a teacher, Mrs Stella Lawrence, alleged that PSP operators provide “selective services,” with nearby estates receiving regular collection while other streets are neglected. “Many people have returned to banned cart pushers,” she noted.

Along AIT Road, Alagbado, heaps of refuse were seen on the road median after weeks of non-collection.

In Ikotun, journalist Mr Ugochukwu Eze criticised the billing model of PSP operators. “Sometimes they don’t come for two weeks yet still issue full bills. It’s like the old NEPA—bill whether service is rendered or not,” he said, calling for a pay-as-you-go system.

For residents around the Akesan–Badore axis on the LASU–Isheri corridor, waste collection had not occurred for more than three weeks. Civil servant Mr Kunle Ayodele linked the disruption to the closure of the Igando dumpsite and the longer turnaround time at the Badagry dumpsite.

“The heaps pose serious health risks. PSP comes only twice a month now, so people are dumping waste on the expressway,” he said.

In Ajao Estate, civil servant Mr Ugochukwu Okoro said collection frequency has dropped despite consistent payments. “PSP used to come every Wednesday. Now they rarely show up. The estate is gradually losing its reputation for cleanliness,” he said.

In contrast, residents of Lekki Phase 1 reported uninterrupted PSP service. Civil servant Mrs Ese Afolabi praised the operators for evacuating waste consistently every Monday. “Their reliability keeps the estate clean,” she said.

The President of the Association of Scrap and Waste Pickers of Lagos, Mr Friday Oku, acknowledged residents’ concerns about scavengers scattering waste but said his association was working with government agencies to train waste pickers on proper handling and safety.

“Some scavengers operate outside our association and avoid training for fear of taxation,” he said, adding that more training programmes are planned for next

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BREAKING: Troops Arrest 15-Year-Old Linked to Killing of Gen Braimah in Borno

Published

23 minutes ago

April 12, 2026

Trends Admin

BREAKING: Troops Arrest 15-Year-Old Linked to Killing of Gen Braimah in Borno

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have arrested a 15-year-old suspect allegedly involved in the deadly attack that killed Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah, another officer, and two soldiers in Borno State.

The suspect, identified simply as Tijjani, was apprehended on Sunday in Ngamdu while reportedly on an errand to procure food supplies for members of his group.

In a video recorded after his arrest, the teenager confessed to being part of the armed group responsible for coordinated attacks in Benisheik and Ngamdu, areas that have witnessed renewed insurgent activity in recent months.

According to the suspect, the group operated from Jilli, a location described by military sources as a known logistics and movement hub for insurgents in the region. He said they moved from Jilli to carry out the attack and later returned to the same location.

Tijjani further disclosed that he had been sent with about ₦850,000 to collect logistics supplies from Ngamdu before his arrest. He added that he left his colleagues behind at Jilli and was unaware of subsequent developments following the operation.

BREAKING: Troops Arrest 15-Year-Old Linked to Killing of Gen Braimah in Borno

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Fayose Warns Makinde May Query Olubadan Over Absence at Ibadan Coronation Event

Published

2 hours ago

April 12, 2026

Trends Admin

Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja

Fayose Warns Makinde May Query Olubadan Over Absence at Ibadan Coronation Event

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has suggested that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde may issue an official query to the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, following his absence at a recent high chiefs’ coronation ceremony in Ibadan.

The event, held at Mapo Hall, saw Governor Makinde present beaded crowns to three newly elevated traditional rulers as part of ongoing chieftaincy reforms in Ibadanland. However, the absence of the Olubadan from the April 3 ceremony has sparked public debate and political reactions.

Fayose, speaking on the development, claimed that the monarch’s absence—reportedly due to a prior engagement in Lagos—alongside other alleged concerns, could prompt a formal government query in the coming days. He did not provide official documentation but insisted the situation could escalate into a government–palace dispute if not carefully managed.

The Olubadan’s palace has already clarified that his absence was not due to any disagreement with the state government, dismissing speculation of a rift between the traditional institution and Governor Makinde’s administration.

Fayose Warns Makinde May Query Olubadan Over Absence at Ibadan Coronation Event

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Police Arrest Suspect Over Fake Job Interview Robbery in Magodo

Published

2 hours ago

April 12, 2026

Trends Admin

Police Arrest Suspect Over Fake Job Interview Robbery in Magodo

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a suspect in connection with a fake job interview robbery scheme in which unsuspecting job seekers were allegedly lured to Magodo area of Lagos and dispossessed of their valuables.

The incident came to public attention after a viral video posted on X by user @General_Somto on April 10, which triggered widespread concern over the rising trend of job scam robberies in Lagos targeting young applicants searching for employment.

In the video, one of the victims narrated how the group was deceived into attending what appeared to be a legitimate interview, warning the public to be cautious when responding to job offers online.

“Nigerians, let’s be careful out there. Not all job offers are legit. We went for a job interview in Magodo, Lagos only to be robbed. They took our phones, money, and everything we had on us,” she said.

The victims said the suspects created a convincing interview environment that appeared professional and trustworthy, which initially reduced suspicion. However, shortly after they were asked to step out briefly, they returned to discover that their mobile phones, cash, and personal belongings had been stolen.