The recent governorship debate in Lagos highlighted significant disagreements among candidates over the state’s ongoing waste management crisis. Proposals ranged from enhancing local government involvement to investing in recycling and waste recovery facilities.
Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, representing the African Democratic Congress (ADC), described the current state of waste management as deteriorating, criticizing the historical management practices. He stated that while Lagos once had around 1,000 waste collection trucks under former Governor Babatunde Fashola, this number had plummeted to approximately 200. He attributed the issue not to population growth but to the centralization of waste management, which he believes has diluted local government authority.
Rhodes-Vivour advocated for a system where local governments would play a crucial role in waste collection. He suggested that households should separate waste at the source to enhance recycling efforts, thus creating economic opportunities for residents and governments alike.
In contrast, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, defended the existing government approach. He stated that the administration is transitioning away from traditional refuse collection methods toward developing facilities capable of recovering useful materials from waste. He highlighted ongoing projects at Olusosun and Solous 3 as transfer stations and noted the establishment of a material recovery facility in Erekiti, with more facilities planned.
Hamzat also addressed allegations about the unpleasant conditions in some areas, affirming that while challenges exist, it is unfair to label the entire state as ‘smelly’. He acknowledged the infrastructure deficiencies impacting waste management but insisted advancements have been made.
Another candidate, Funso Doherty of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), voiced concerns about the pace of waste accumulation outpacing collection efforts, mentioning the problem extends to liquid and human waste, particularly affecting pollution levels around the Olusosun dumpsite.
During the debate, candidates also examined their political experiences and records. Rhodes-Vivour, who shifted from the Labour Party to ADC after placing second in the last election, expressed his commitment to learning from past campaign errors. Hamzat faced inquiries about his past tenure as deputy governor and his ability to lead independently from established political influences.
The discussion also touched on the controversial events of the 2020 #EndSARS protests, with Hamzat recalling the government’s response, including establishing an independent judicial panel and adopting several of its recommendations.
As the debate concluded, each candidate reiterated their commitment to policies aimed at improving public welfare and responding to the waste management crisis, vying for voter support in the upcoming election.
