The Oyo State Government has sounded a fresh and decisive warning to residents and traders across the state, particularly in the Ibadan metropolis, against the indiscriminate dumping of refuse in unauthorized locations. This warning comes amid growing concerns over environmental hazards, flooding, and the overall deterioration of public health linked to poor waste disposal habits.
Governor Seyi Makinde, through official statements and directives, has expressed deep dissatisfaction with the current state of environmental sanitation in Ibadan and other major towns. He described the practice of dumping refuse along road medians, waterways, and other unapproved sites as not only unsightly but also a grave threat to public health and safety. The governor emphasized that such acts could lead to devastating consequences, including flooding, building collapse, and outbreaks of disease—problems that have plagued the city in the past and cost countless lives and property worth billions of naira.
The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, led by Permanent Secretary Mrs. Modupe Adeleye, has reiterated the government’s resolve to enforce environmental laws without compromise. Adeleye, during a sensitization programme with market leaders, stressed that traders and residents must align with the state’s renewed efforts to curb indiscriminate waste disposal. She highlighted the engagement of waste management companies as a key step in tackling the menace, and called on all stakeholders—market associations, community leaders, and transport unions—to caution their members and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
The government’s stance is not limited to warnings alone. There is a clear commitment to enforcement. Mrs. Adeleye announced that after ongoing awareness campaigns, the Ministry would embark on full enforcement, and violators would face the full wrath of the law. Market leaders from Bodija International, Eleyele, and Sango markets have pledged their cooperation, promising to monitor their members and uphold the law.
In a related development, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Arc. Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, has threatened sanctions against about 20 waste management consultants who have failed to meet their contractual obligations. He lamented that neglect by some contractors has led to piles of waste littering major streets in Ibadan. To address this, the government has initiated a comprehensive review of waste management contracts, focusing on operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and sustainability. The aim is to ensure that the state’s waste management system is robust, transparent, and responsive to public concerns.
Environmental advocacy groups have also joined the call, warning that continued dumping of refuse in waterways like the Ogunpa River could trigger another round of catastrophic flooding, similar to the disasters witnessed in 1960, 1963, 1978, 1980, and 2011. These groups have urged residents to collaborate with government agencies and registered waste collectors, emphasizing that the solution lies in collective action and responsible waste disposal.
Governor Makinde has made it clear that his administration will not hesitate to invoke the full weight of the law against individuals or groups found culpable. He urged all residents to make use of designated waste collection points and register with accredited waste collectors. The message from the Oyo State Government is unambiguous: the era of dumping refuse in the wrong places is over, and anyone caught violating the law will face stiff penalties as the state moves to secure a cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous environment for all.
