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| Engr. Seyi Makinde Oyo Governor image credit: |
For many residents of Ibadan, heaps of uncollected refuse have become an everyday sight lining major roads, clogging drainage channels, and sitting stubbornly at street corners. What was once an occasional nuisance has grown into a persistent environmental and public health concern. Now, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, says his administration is preparing a lasting solution to the city’s worsening refuse challenge.
Speaking amid mounting complaints from residents, the governor acknowledged that the current state of waste management in Ibadan falls short of expectations. He admitted that despite previous interventions and sanitation efforts, the problem has continued to resurface, pointing to deeper structural issues within the system.
According to Makinde, the state government is no longer interested in short-term clean-up exercises that offer only temporary relief. Instead, the administration is reviewing the entire waste management framework with the aim of implementing sustainable and long-lasting reforms. These reforms, he said, will focus on improving efficiency, accountability, and coordination among agencies and waste contractors responsible for refuse collection across the metropolis.
Ibadan, one of the largest cities in West Africa, generates enormous volumes of waste daily. Rapid population growth, expanding commercial activities, and inadequate waste infrastructure have combined to overwhelm existing systems. In many neighbourhoods, irregular collection schedules and poor monitoring have led residents to resort to indiscriminate dumping, further compounding the problem.
Governor Makinde stressed that effective waste management is not just an environmental issue but a critical public health matter. Poorly managed refuse, he noted, increases the risk of disease outbreaks, worsens flooding by blocking drainage systems, and undermines the overall image of the state. He maintained that a clean and healthy environment is essential for economic growth, tourism, and the well-being of citizens.
As part of the proposed reforms, the state government plans to strengthen waste collection mechanisms, enhance supervision of contractors, and introduce stricter accountability measures. There are also indications that the government may explore more sustainable approaches, including improved logistics, better waste processing methods, and increased private-sector participation in sanitation services.
While the governor’s assurances have been welcomed by many residents, public confidence remains cautious. Similar promises have been made in the past, only for refuse piles to reappear weeks later. For many Ibadan residents, the real test will be in the consistency of implementation and enforcement, not just policy announcements.
Environmental advocates argue that beyond government action, public cooperation will also be crucial. They emphasize the need for sustained public education on proper waste disposal and stricter penalties for indiscriminate dumping, alongside improved service delivery.
As Ibadan waits to see how the proposed reforms unfold, expectations are high that this renewed commitment will translate into visible and lasting change. For a city long burdened by refuse-related challenges, a functional and sustainable waste management system would mark a significant step toward a cleaner, healthier, and more livable urban environment.