The Lagos State Government is sending confusing signals on the clean-up of Olusosun
When Ikeja Record contacted the Lagos State Government for clarification, an official explained that the 18-month period would only begin once the concessionaire formally breaks ground on the project.
The Lagos State Government has issued what appear to be conflicting signals over the timeline for the clean-up and redevelopment of the Olusosun landfill, one of Africa’s largest dumpsites.
Public statements by state officials suggest an 18-month completion window, but it remains unclear when that countdown actually begins.
In May 2025, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced a partnership with ZoomLion Nigeria to build a Transfer Loading Station at Olusosun. He said the project would be completed within 18 months. However, in November 2025, the Commissioner again referenced an 18-month timeline, despite the fact that several months had already passed since the initial announcement.
In a post on his official X account, the Commissioner said Olusosun and Solous 3 would transition into modern Transfer Loading Stations “over the next 18 months”, raising questions about whether the timeline had been reset or delayed.
When Ikeja Record contacted the Lagos State Government for clarification, an official explained that the 18-month period would only begin once the concessionaire formally breaks ground on the project.
According to the official, preparatory work is still ongoing, but no tentative date has been given for when construction will start.
The uncertainty is familiar. For over two decades, Olusosun has been the subject of repeated closure and redevelopment promises, from refurbishment plans in 2003, to a proposed golf course in 2014, to redevelopment under the Cleaner Lagos Initiative in 2017, and closure pledges made in 2021 and 2024.
None of these plans has materialised, leaving residents once again waiting for clarity on when, or if, Olusosun will finally be cleaned up. ✚