By Sunkanmi Adewunmi
Lagos, the city that never sleeps, is a vibrant hub of culture, commerce, and chaos. It’s a place where dreams are made, hustlers thrive, and the air is… well, let’s just say it’s not always fresh. Whether you’re navigating the bustling streets of Oshodi, commuting through CMS, or strolling along Surulere, there’s an unmistakable mix of odours that can assault your senses. But why exactly does Lagos smell? And more importantly, what can be done about it?
A Symphony of Stench: Understanding the Sources
Lagos’ unique aroma is not the work of one culprit but a combination of factors. Some of the major contributors include:
1. Open Urination and Defecation: A Normalised Nuisance
Walk through any part of Lagos, and you’ll likely see men (and sometimes women) relieving themselves in gutters, by walls, or even on bridges. It has become such a norm that it’s barely noticed anymore. Public toilets are scarce, and where they exist, they are often poorly maintained, expensive, or simply inaccessible. Consequently, many Lagosians opt for the nearest wall or roadside bush, contributing to the city’s overwhelming urine-infused scent.
The issue extends beyond urination, open defecation is still prevalent, especially in densely populated areas and waterfront slums. According to UNICEF, Nigeria is among the countries with the highest number of people practising open defecation, and Lagos is no exception. In many low-income communities, households don’t have access to toilets, forcing residents to defecate in open spaces, gutters, or even plastic bags (a practice known as “shotput”). When it rains, these waste materials are washed into waterways, contaminating the environment and spreading disease.
2. Uncollected and Poorly Managed Waste
Lagos generates approximately 13,000 metric tonnes of waste daily, yet a significant portion never reaches a landfill. Instead, it clogs gutters, overflows from roadside dumps, and washes up on the shores of coastal communities. The Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) does its best, but inconsistent collection schedules, illegal dumping, and inadequate facilities mean that refuse piles up faster than it can be removed. Rotting food, plastic waste, and sewage combine to create an unbearable odour.
3. Poor Drainage and Stagnant Water
Blocked drainage systems filled with refuse become breeding grounds for filth. When it rains, these clogged gutters overflow, spreading waste and sewage across the streets. Once the water recedes, the smell lingers an unholy blend of decay and pollution.
4. Markets and Abattoirs: The Smell of Business
From Mile 12 to Oyingbo, Lagos markets operate with little regard for waste management. Fish guts, rotting vegetables, and animal remains pile up, and while some markets attempt waste collection, the sheer volume makes it difficult to keep up. Meanwhile, abattoirs across the state discharge untreated animal waste into nearby streams or bushes, adding another layer to Lagos’ cocktail of stench.
Why Has This Become the Norm?
For many Lagosians, the smell is simply part of life. The lack of public infrastructure (clean public toilets, reliable waste collection, and proper drainage) means people adapt to the dysfunction rather than challenge it. Moreover, weak enforcement of sanitation laws allows these issues to persist. Open urination, for example, is technically illegal, yet there is little to no enforcement. Cultural norms also play a role, as many see public urination as acceptable behaviour due to a lack of facilities.
What Can Be Done? Solutions for a Cleaner Lagos
The good news is that Lagos doesn’t have to smell this way. With the right strategies and collective effort, we can tackle these issues head-on. Here are some practical solutions:
1. Increase Public Toilets and Maintenance
The government and private sector must invest in clean, accessible, and affordable public toilets. A well-maintained network of facilities would significantly reduce open urination and defecation.
2. Stronger Waste Management Policies
LAWMA and private waste collection agencies must improve waste collection efficiency. Lagos should also invest in waste-to-energy plants, like those in Rwanda and Sweden, to turn refuse into electricity.
3. Improve Drainage Systems
Lagos’ drainage systems must be cleaned and properly maintained to prevent blockages that contribute to the spread of waste and odour.
4. Enforce Sanitation Laws
Fines and strict penalties should be imposed for public urination and illegal dumping. If Singapore can keep its streets clean with heavy fines, Lagos can too.
5. Community Awareness and Responsibility
Changing habits requires education. Public campaigns, school programmes, and community initiatives can help shift attitudes towards sanitation.
A Call to Action: Let’s Make Lagos Smell Better
Lagos is a city of resilience, creativity, and boundless energy. But if we want it to truly thrive, we need to address the issues that are holding it back starting with waste management and sanitation. The smell of Lagos isn’t just a nuisance; it’s a wake-up call. It’s a reminder that we can do better, that we deserve better.
So the next time you see a man urinating by the roadside or a pile of garbage blocking the drain, don’t just hold your nose and walk away. Speak up. Take action. Together, we can make Lagos a city that not only hustles hard but also smells good.
After all, a cleaner Lagos is a healthier Lagos and that’s something we can all breathe easier about.
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