Several Parts of Ibadan Metropolis Overwhelmed by Poor Environmental Sanitation
Several parts of the Ibadan metropolis are currently grappling with severe environmental sanitation challenges, raising public health concerns and renewed questions about waste management and urban governance in Oyo State.
As of Sunday, January 12, 2026, conditions across major areas of the state capital, including Iwo Road, Ojo, Sabo and other neighbourhood remain deeply troubling.
A visit by our correspondent Akindele Alabi revealed widespread environmental neglect marked by heaps of uncollected refuse, blocked drainages, and public spaces converted into informal dumpsites.
In many locations, refuse lines major roads, drainage channels are clogged with waste, and a persistent stench hangs in the air. Residents say the situation is not the result of a temporary disruption but a recurring problem that has persisted for months, becoming a regular feature of daily life in the city.
Public health experts warn that poor waste management and environmental neglect are closely linked to serious health risks, including the spread of communicable diseases, contamination of water sources, and increased vulnerability to flooding during the rainy season. The blocked drainages observed across the metropolis are also believed to be contributing to flash floods whenever rainfall occurs.
Beyond health implications, residents note that the deteriorating state of cleanliness undermines Ibadan’s image as a major urban centre and a state capital often described as a pace-setter. Many argue that the persistent sanitation challenges point to systemic weaknesses in environmental governance and coordination.
The responsibility for environmental sanitation in the state rests with the Oyo State Ministry of Environment, under the leadership of the outgoing Commissioner for Environment, Barrister Tna Asamu. The ministry is statutorily charged with providing policy direction, coordinating waste collection, and ensuring that urban cleanliness standards are maintained across the state.
Residents across affected communities have expressed frustration over what they describe as slow or ineffective responses to repeated complaints.
Several residents who spoke with our correspondent lamented that despite raising concerns through appropriate channels, visible improvements have yet to be seen.
“This situation goes beyond mere inconvenience,” some residents noted, stressing that living amid overflowing dumpsites and blocked drainages poses daily risks to health and safety. They called on the Ministry of Environment to intensify waste management operations, clear blocked drainages, and adopt more sustainable sanitation strategies for the rapidly growing metropolis.
Many residents specifically urged the outgoing Commissioner for Environment to take urgent and decisive steps to address the challenges before leaving office, emphasizing that environmental sanitation is not a privilege but a basic duty of government and a fundamental right of citizens.
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