Is Lagos a Smelly City? My Experience in Nigeria’s Commercial Hub

One day, about a fortnight ago, I stumbled on a post on the social media platform, X. A female user harshly criticized Lagos State. In her words, “Lagos is a very smelly city.” A mix of laughter and shock overwhelmed me at that moment. Initially, I dismissed it as one of those posts designed to generate engagement. But then, I saw another user make a similar post about Lagos, and many people appeared to agree. This inspired me to write this article and ask the question: Is Lagos really a smelly city?

Based on my personal experience and of course, the available environmental statistics, Lagos could rightly be categorized as having a distinct unpleasant smell. For instance, a few months back, Lagos State released a report showing that Surulere ranked high among towns with poor air quality and hygiene standards. Agege and a couple of other towns were also on the list.

Recently, residents of Banana Island, an affluent area, appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to fix a blocked drainage that has led to severe flooding in the neighborhood. Have you visited Banana Island after a rainfall? You might wonder what makes it so “affluent.”

The issue of bad drainages in Lagos is well-documented. Earlier this year, when the rains began, nearly every town in the state experienced flooding. It was a disaster, rivaled only by the flooding in places like Maiduguri. Blocked drainages were a significant contributor to the problem. When drainage systems become clogged and neglected, water overflows onto the streets, bringing with it filth and debris. What a nightmare!

On a personal note, hygiene levels among individuals in Lagos seem to have dropped to an all-time low. Perhaps it’s the struggling economy or the high cost of living, but many people seem to be walking around with body odor. Public transport is often a test of endurance. Just recently, a bus conductor raised his armpit near my face, and it felt like hell was unleashed. A heated argument followed, and he had to hang outside the bus to avoid further incidents.

As a writer, I sometimes step outside for fresh air, hoping to clear my mind. Unfortunately, Lagos rarely offers fresh air. Pollution levels in many areas make it difficult to breathe. Open defecation, roadside refuse dumps, and environmental hazards are commonplace. How can anyone thrive in such an environment?

Yes, some of these problems are man-made. Residents indiscriminately dump refuse into gutters, exacerbating the problem of blocked drainages. I try to lead by example, always holding on to my waste until I find a bin. Sadly, I seem to be one in a thousand.

Also Read: Loopholes in Lagos Law?: Lagoon feaces dumpers escape arrest despite regulations

But the government cannot be absolved of blame. How often are drainages unclogged and cleaned? Rarely. While street cleaners are employed to clean roads, the drainages remain neglected. Additionally, enforcement of laws against open defecation and improper refuse disposal is lax. If people knew they would face severe penalties for such acts, behavior would change.

Lagos, the commercial hub of Nigeria, should not be grappling with such environmental decay. The state generates billions of Naira every month, and there is no excuse for this neglect. Indeed, the city is “very smelly,” and Governor Sanwo-Olu and his administration must act swiftly to address these issues. Lagos can and must do better.

The views expressed in this opinion article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs, or editorial stance of Neusroom.