Lagos Odour Crisis: Opposition Parties Demand Action From APC Government

Opposition Parties Take Aim at APC Over Foul Smell in Lagos

Listen up, folks. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party have both taken the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Lagos State Government to task over the growing complaints about foul odours in different parts of the city. This issue isn’t just blowing in the wind—it’s a real concern for many residents who are breathing it in every single day.

It all started when Lagos residents, frustrated and vocal, hit social media platforms like X.com to voice their grievances. The city's cleanliness—or lack thereof—has been a hot topic of discussion. And let’s be honest, it’s not the kind of buzz anyone wants for their hometown. The complaints have been relentless, painting a vivid picture of a city grappling with a hygiene crisis.

The Social Media Storm Ignites

A young National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member named Ushie Uguamaye sparked the firestorm when she described Lagos as a “smelling state” on her X account. Now, before you jump to conclusions, Ushie later apologized, clarifying that her comment wasn’t meant to offend anyone but rather to highlight an issue she noticed as an outsider. Her words, though, hit a nerve, and the conversation snowballed.

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Many Lagosians joined the chorus, sharing their own frustrations about living in a city where the air doesn’t always smell fresh. Take Rinu Oduala, for instance, who boldly stated, “I am a Lagosian. Born and bred in Lagos. My family are generational Lagosians. I come from a royal family in Lagos. Yes, Lagos stinks! Do something about it!”

Another user, Sheni Coker, added fuel to the fire with this comment: “The air you people breathe in Lagos is not fresh air. Go to Capetown or even Kigali and breathe fresh air. Lagos stinks like mad. Overhyped piece of filth. Stop defending nonsense.” Oof, that’s a mic drop right there.

And then there’s Iyebiye, who summed it up perfectly: “2 truths can exist. Lagos life can be sweet if you have the funds. Lagos is also a very stinking place.” It’s a harsh reality that many are facing daily.

Hotspots of Concern

Specific locations like Iyana Iba, Igando Oko Filling, Ojota, and the Ajah under bridge have been singled out as being particularly affected by these unpleasant odours. These areas are becoming synonymous with the problem, and it’s not the kind of fame anyone wants.

Tai Benedict, the Lagos PDP Deputy Chairman, spoke to Saturday PUNCH, urging the state government to step up and address the issue. He said, “The APC government should please help us out of the smelly atmosphere. We beg them to think twice so they don’t put lives in danger. Health is wealth. This issue affects health, and there is a need for them to do something about it. We have spoken to them several times, but they do not listen.”

Labour Party Offers Solutions

Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the 2023 Lagos State Governorship Candidate for the Labour Party, took it a step further. On X.com, he criticized the state’s waste management practices and the placement of landfills in central areas of the city. He suggested, “When citizens tell you the city stinks, introduce organic biofilters and microorganisms in biofilters which can convert organic waste into CO, and incorporate covering waste with soil and specialized membranes to minimize exposure to air. Incorporate composting and landfill gas capture into the waste value chain.”

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Rhodes-Vivour also emphasized the importance of upgrading the state’s water treatment infrastructure, proposing the creation of a state-of-the-art water treatment center. He suggested enhancing air quality through increased tree planting, saying, “Create a holistic plan to preserve trees and plant more trees, as opposed to felling trees, which reduce air quality, increase the amount of dust in the air, and create a concrete jungle.”

APC Responds

Not to be left out, Lagos APC Spokesperson Seye Oladejo dismissed the opposition’s concerns as politically motivated. He stated, “These are parties that do not know how to be in the opposition. They are always looking for excuses. I think they should get very serious, organize their party properly, and let the electorate have confidence in them. If they cannot run their party, how can they be trusted with the mandate of the people?”

However, Oladejo did acknowledge that it would be fair for the APC government to address the concerns raised by the residents. It’s a nod to the fact that even political adversaries can agree on one thing: the people’s voices matter.