Ladipo’s drainage crisis: How waste and flooding is endangering lives and livelihoods
By Oluwatoyin Hawal Momolosho and Obiebi Chukwudumebi
Bolashade, a 23-year-old Point of Sale (POS) agent, recently moved from Abeokuta to live with her elder sister, who runs a POS business right in front of the National Broadcast Academy (NBA) in Ladipo, along the Ikeja railway line in Lagos State.
What surprised her most was that Lagos—a state known for its many waste disposal systems—still has areas where drainage channels and surroundings have turned into dumping grounds.
“The first day I visited where my sister does her POS business, I honestly pitied her. How do they survive in a place like this?” she asked.
“It’s not even a shop—it’s just by the roadside in front of the NBA campus. This is a government-owned school that trains journalists, but the drainage right in front has become a dumpsite. It affects everyone’s health, including students living on campus. People need to think more about hygiene—it’s really necessary.”
Traders Cry Out
Mummy Uma, a well-known trader in the community, also decried the attitude of residents who dump refuse directly into the drains. She recalled that the last cleanup by the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) was back in 2024.
“They really tried that time,” she said. “But once the rains start again, the place becomes worse than before. Sometimes, area boys collect ₦500 from women just to help them cross the flooded road. The flood mixes with waste and affects everyone—especially us who do business here.”
She appealed for more frequent intervention from LAWMA.
“We’re particularly concerned about the drainage—it needs to be cleared regularly. There’s always a strong, unpleasant smell coming from it, and that’s not healthy for people living or working around here,” added Mrs. Grace, another trader.
Who Is to Blame?
Mr. Korede Remi, a community leader and resident of Ikeja, emphasized that not all traders are responsible for the waste dumping.
“Some people are trying to maintain the place, but others keep messing it up. The traders near the blocked drain aren’t the ones dumping waste there. In fact, they’ve been trying to keep it clean.”
He also cautioned against covering the entire drainage system.
“Half of it can be covered, but not all. If everything is sealed, there’ll be no way to clean it and it’ll start smelling. That smell is dangerous to our health. We need to keep parts of it open to monitor water flow and ensure safety during the rains.”
Remi called on residents to take more ownership of their environment.
“The government has already helped with the drainage, and LAWMA comes around occasionally. The rest is in our hands. We need to keep our community clean so the government will be encouraged to do more.”
A Global Warning from WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 12.6 million deaths occur globally each year due to unhealthy living or working environments. These include areas with polluted air, water, and soil; chemical exposure; and poor waste management. According to WHO, these conditions are linked to over 100 diseases and injuries, such as heart disease, stroke, and respiratory illnesses.
Students at the National Broadcast Academy Speak Out
Adetunji Ibrahim, a recent graduate of the National Broadcast Academy, expressed concern over the drainage in front of the school, describing it as both a health risk and a source of poor public perception.
“During the rainy season, the drainage overflows and gives the school a bad image. Even in the dry season, it emits a strong odor. As a government-owned institution, NBA should be setting an example.”
He warned that the situation affects students directly:
“Mosquitoes breed in the stagnant water, and many students are coming down with malaria. If nothing is done, it will affect their health and academic performance.”
Another student, Joy Jane, added:
“The drainage should be cleaned weekly—it connects to a canal and impacts everyone around. It’s uncomfortable, unhealthy, and a major risk for both students and lecturers.”
Government Reacts
Mr. Wale, a representative of Slava Bogu Construction Limited—working in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure—outlined ongoing government efforts.
“This area floods badly. We’re currently working on a bigger drainage system to move water through a culvert into the canal. Once it’s cleared, water flow will improve.”
He explained the process:
“The Office of Drainage Services (ODS) confirms blockages and calls in LAWMA for cleanup. We hope to finish this phase by the end of the month, and we’ll continue monitoring the area afterward.”
