Indiscriminate dumping of refuse has continued along sections of the railway corridor in Agege, Lagos State, despite ongoing clearance operations carried out by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).
Heaps of household refuse, plastic waste, and food remnants line portions of the railway tracks, sparking concerns among residents and commuters regarding environmental pollution, public health risks, and potential hazards to train operations.
A local government official stationed along the corridor, Oyeniran Prince, explained that the illegal dumping has persisted for nearly two years despite regular maintenance by railway workers. He noted that the responsibility for managing the corridor falls under the NRC rather than the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA).
Prince said, “This place has been like this for almost two years. It is not LAWMA’s responsibility because this is railway property. The railway workers usually clear the tracks and pack the refuse into bags, especially where it blocks the rail lines, but people keep returning to dump waste here.
“There is a large waste container nearby, but instead of using it, many residents dump refuse directly on the railway corridor. Sometimes, the waste is even burnt here. Once the railway workers clear the area, people come back and dump refuse again.
“The workers clean this place almost every morning, but the dumping continues. That is the major problem.”
However, a resident, Joshua Osagie, noted that the situation had seen some improvement compared to previous levels due to intensified monitoring and warnings by authorities.
Osagie stated, “It has not been there for too long. They have been clearing the refuse regularly, especially the heap down there. They have warned people not to dump waste here again, and it has reduced. Before now, it was much worse than this.
“For some time, they monitored the area, and LAWMA officials also came. They no longer allow people to dump refuse here the way they used to.”
Another resident, Adewale Akinyemi, emphasized civic responsibility and the need for stricter enforcement against offenders.
Akinyemi said, “The refuse along the railway corridor is becoming too much. Apart from making the place look dirty, it is also a health risk because of the smell and the flies.
“Even when the railway workers clear it, people come back the next day to dump refuse again. Residents also need to stop this habit, while the authorities should enforce the law.”
A commuter, Grace Oladipo, noted that while conditions around the Agege Pen Cinema area have improved, sustained enforcement is necessary to ensure long-term cleanliness.
Oladipo stated, “The situation has improved compared to before because the heaps are no longer as much as they used to be. But the problem has not been completely solved.
“The government should continue monitoring the area and punish anyone caught dumping refuse on the railway tracks. That is the only way the place will remain clean.”
Reacting to the situation, NRC spokesperson Callistus Unyimadu explained that the corporation routinely cleans the tracks but attributed the recurring problem to nocturnal passersby.
Unyimadu stated, “I don’t want to say anything official about this issue, but one thing I know is that anytime there is waste, we normally clear it. These things are actually being done by passersby who take the opportunity, especially at night, to dump refuse there.
“Each time, we make sure we clear it, but it keeps happening. I think the management is looking for a lasting solution, including involving security personnel to apprehend those responsible for dumping the refuse.”
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