The Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers, Oyo State Chapter, Engr. Abdulwasiu Ajagbe, has called for immediate action as waste dumping in Ibadan’s drainage systems and public spaces has reached critical levels.
In an interview, Ajagbe stressed the importance of collaboration among the government, residents, and local organizations to tackle what has become a growing public health and environmental crisis in the city.
“Tackling waste dumping in waterways and public spaces requires coordinated efforts across all sectors of the state,” he said .
In Ibadan, the growing problem of waste dumping is impossible to ignore. Streets are frequently littered with plastic bottles, food wrappers, and construction debris, while drainage systems meant to manage stormwater have been choked with household waste and illegal dumping. The result is frequent flooding, property damage, and health risks. “When our drainage systems are blocked, we experience severe flooding that disrupts daily life and damages homes,” Ajagbe explained. “But the problem doesn’t stop there. Stagnant water breeds mosquitoes, spreading diseases like malaria.”
Ajagbe pointed out that the lack of adequate waste management infrastructure, along with limited disposal options, exacerbates the problem. “Ibadan’s rapid urbanization is outpacing the development of its waste management systems. As a result, waste is often dumped into open drains and public spaces, creating both environmental and health hazards,” he said.
In rural areas and informal settlements on the outskirts of Ibadan, improper waste disposal is even more prevalent. Residents in these areas are often left with no choice but to discard waste into rivers, open fields, or drains, further polluting the environment. “The waste doesn’t just stay in our city,” Ajagbe noted. “It ends up in rivers and oceans, causing significant harm to wildlife and ecosystems.”
The expert believes the root cause of the problem lies in a combination of poor infrastructure, low public awareness, and weak enforcement of waste management regulations. “People continue to dump waste because they don’t fully understand the long-term consequences, and there is no strong enforcement to deter them,” he said. “We need a shift in mindset across the city.”
Ajagbe called for a comprehensive approach to solving the waste dumping crisis, which includes stricter enforcement of waste management laws, better waste collection systems, and a strong public education campaign. “We need to educate people about the environmental and health dangers of improper waste disposal,” he stressed. “When people understand the full impact of their actions, they will be more likely to change their behavior.”
The environmental engineer also highlighted the importance of community involvement in maintaining clean public spaces. “The responsibility doesn’t lie solely with the government,” he said. “Residents must take ownership of their environment. By working together, we can tackle this issue and create a cleaner, healthier Ibadan for everyone.”
As Ibadan continues to grow, the challenge of waste management will only intensify. However, with the right approach—focused on education, stronger enforcement, and community participation—the city has the potential to overcome its waste problems and build a sustainable future for its residents.
