Why Lagos, Nigeria’s Commercial City Stinks

The recent uproar and debate about a National Youth Service Corp, NYSC, member, serving in Lagos state continues to generate controversy.

The Corp member, Ushie Uguamaye, know as Raye by her Tiktok account, described the city’s pervasive odor as a major challenge, lamenting that the unpleasant smell made even a simple walk unbearable, making the statement “Lagos stinks”.

But does Lagos really stink?

The pervasive issue of unpleasant odors in Lagos, Nigeria, is a complex one, stemming from a combination of factors related to rapid urbanization and infrastructure challenges.

Here’s a breakdown of the key contributors:

Inadequate Waste Management

Lagos produces an enormous amount of waste every day, and the city’s waste management system is often unable to handle it all. Trash piles up in the streets, gutters, and open dumps, where it rots and emits strong, unpleasant smells. The lack of efficient waste collection and disposal systems only makes the problem worse.

Drainage and Sewage

Lagos’s aging sewage system, a relic of a bygone era, often leaks and overflows, releasing smelly wastewater into the environment. The odor, a constant reminder of the city’s infrastructure challenges, lingers in the air. The city’s drainage systems are often clogged with debris and waste, and when it rains, these blocked drains overflow, spreading sewage and decomposing matter. This leads to stagnant water, which breeds bacteria and produces foul odors. Inadequate sewage infrastructure contributes to the problem, with open sewers and improper waste disposal adding to the stench.

Pollution

Lagos, a densely populated and heavily industrialized city, suffers from significant air pollution. Emissions from vehicles, generators, and industrial activities contribute to the overall unpleasant smell. Some factories release untreated waste and chemicals into the air and water, contributing to the foul smell, especially in industrial areas. Lagos has many polluted water bodies, including the Lagos Lagoon, which collects sewage, industrial waste, and runoff from the city. The smell from these stagnant and polluted waters worsens in hot weather. Factories and industries, the backbone of Lagos’s economy, also contribute to the city’s odor profile. Their emissions, a mixture of chemical fumes and industrial byproducts, often waft through the air, creating a distinct, and sometimes unpleasant, scent.

Population Density

Lagos, a densely populated city, with over 15 million, faces a unique challenge when it comes to unpleasant odors. The sheer number of people living in close proximity creates a significant strain on waste management and sanitation infrastructure. With a large population, the volume of garbage generated daily is substantial, leading to overflowing landfills and improper waste disposal. This, in turn, contributes to a foul smell emanating from various areas of the city.

Environmental behaviors

The lack of proper sanitation infrastructure and unsanitary behaviors contribute significantly to the unpleasant odors in Lagos. Open defecation, a prevalent issue in some areas, directly releases human waste into the environment, contributing to the foul smell. Additionally, poorly maintained toilets and open sewers allow raw sewage to leak into the environment, further exacerbating the problem. The combination of these factors creates a strong, unpleasant odor that permeates certain areas of the city.

The Tropical Heat

Lagos’s hot and humid climate plays a significant role in amplifying the city’s unpleasant smells. The intense heat and humidity accelerate the process of decomposition, causing organic matter to break down more quickly. This rapid decomposition releases volatile compounds into the air, creating stronger and more noticeable odors. Additionally, the heat intensifies the olfactory experience itself. Our sense of smell is more sensitive in warm temperatures, making us more aware of even subtle aromas. This heightened sensitivity, combined with the increased presence of volatile compounds, makes the city’s odor profile even more pronounced.

Markets & Slaughterhouses

Lagos’s numerous bustling markets and slaughterhouses contribute significantly to the city’s odor profile. Improper waste disposal, particularly of food waste, fish, and animal remains, creates a strong stench in these areas. The presence of abattoirs within residential areas also exacerbates environmental pollution. Waste generated from slaughtering activities provides breeding grounds for germs and disease vectors, leading to the spread of zoonotic infections and contamination of water sources.

In essence, the “smell” of Lagos is a symptom of broader environmental challenges that the city faces.

What is Lagos Government doing?

Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, including improving waste management infrastructure, enforcing environmental regulations, and promoting public awareness about proper waste disposal practices.

The Lagos State Government, led by Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab, took steps in promoting environmental sustainability through direct sanitation advocacy campaigns.

The ministry has visited several locations, including Oyingbo Market and Eko Hotel/Zenith Roundabout, to encourage proper waste disposal and adherence to environmental regulations.

The government is also enforcing compliance by removing illegal stalls and urging residents to adopt sustainable practices like reducing single-use plastics.

On February 20, 2025, the commissioner addressed the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, emphasizing the need to integrate environmental laws into urban development. He advocated for using technology and collaboration to achieve sustainable urban growth and tackle challenges like flooding, waste management, and deforestation.

An MOU was signed with Lafarge Africa to collect non-recyclable waste for use as fuel in cement production, aiming to reduce landfill waste and promote a circular economy. The partnership aligns with the state’s commitment to zero-waste initiatives and supports sustainable construction and climate action by reducing carbon emissions.

The state government has also embarked on an urban regeneration project on Lagos Island, focusing on reconstructing major roads, drainage systems, and key infrastructure. This effort aims to address chronic flooding issues and revitalize the island’s infrastructure.

The Lagos State Government has called on all residents to adopt good environmental practices during the Yuletide season. This appeal emphasizes the importance of proper waste disposal, maintaining clean surroundings, and adhering to environmental regulations to ensure a healthy and safe festive period for all.