The bus stops at Ojota. As the doors creak open, a wave of hot, foul air rushes in. A man stepping out pauses, his face twisting in disgust. He pulls his shirt over his nose. Stench clings to the humid air, thick and inescapable. It smells like something rotting, like stagnant water mixed with decay. Commuters hurry past, muttering complaints, their brows furrowed.
Across the city, in Lekki, the scent shifts after a heavy rainfall. The air, instead of feeling fresh, carries a putrid, damp odour that lingers long after the streets dry up. Residents on social media ask the same question: Why does Lagos smell so bad? Some blame the gutters, others the waste, but could there be more to it? Is the worsening air quality a symptom of a bigger environmental crisis?
How Bad Is It?
Lagos has always had a waste problem, Lagosians say, but lately, the stench has become unbearable. From Iyana Iba to Lekki, residents say the air is thick with the smell of rot, sewage, and decay. Commuters, shop owners, and those living near drainage systems have noticed the change. “Lagos is smelling terribly. The moment you enter from Berger, e choke. If you get to 7up and Ojota, you dare not breathe,” Lola Okunrin wrote on X.
Many agree that the city’s drainage and waste systems are failing. “Lagos has an open urination and defecation problem, a waste problem, and a drainage problem,” another resident tweeted. “Without tackling these, you’re wasting your time. It’ll continue to stink.”
Some say it gets worse after rain: “Twenty minutes of rain, the whole Lagos is smelling,” a Lagosian who identified simply as Derek on X posted. Others have pointed out specific areas. “Ojota and the area after 3MB smell really bad,” another X user tweeted. “Even Lekki water smells like rotten eggs.”
The complaints are everywhere, from busy Yaba and Ikeja districts to upscale Lekki neighborhoods.
What’s Behind the Smell?
Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city, is grappling with a severe waste management crisis. With a population exceeding 20 million, the city generates between 13,000 and 15,000 metric tons of solid waste daily, much of which remains uncollected and clogs streets, open spaces, and waterways. Uncollected garbage rots under the intense heat, releasing methane (CH₄) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), both of which contribute to the city’s pervasive foul odour. Clogged drainage systems worsen the problem by trapping organic waste, which decomposes anaerobically, further increasing methane emissions.
Dr. John Adeoye, an environmental scientist, highlights the root cause: “Illegal structures and waste clogging drainage systems are significant contributors to the flooding and odour in Lagos. It is crucial for the government to enforce regulations and for residents to adopt more sustainable waste disposal practices”. Despite efforts by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), the lack of proper infrastructure and public awareness continues to hinder progress, researchers say.
Rising Temperatures & Pollution
Extreme heat in Lagos, heightened by climate change, accelerates the decomposition of organic waste, intensifying methane emissions and air pollution. According to this study, temperatures in Lagos have been steadily rising, creating a feedback loop where higher temperatures speed up waste breakdown, releasing more greenhouse gases and worsening air quality.
Environmental experts warn that this cycle has dire consequences for urban air quality. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is over 25 times more effective at trapping heat than carbon dioxide, making it a significant driver of local and global warming. Dr. Jane Gilbert, Chair of the International Solid Waste Association, emphasizes, “Effective management of organics not only mitigates methane emissions but also ensures environmentally safe and beneficial waste management practices”.
Stagnant Floodwaters & Saltwater Intrusion
Stagnant floodwaters, a common occurrence during Lagos’ rainy season, emit methane and other harmful gases, further degrading air quality. Flooding also disrupts drainage systems, allowing organic waste and sewage to mix, creating a toxic brew that emits noxious gases.
There are emerging theories about saltwater intrusion in drainage systems, particularly in coastal areas like Lagos. Environmental scientists suggest that saltwater interacting with organic waste and sewage could produce additional chemical reactions, potentially releasing more harmful gases.
Over the years, Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) appeared to have intensified its enforcement activities, cracking down on illegal waste dumping and cart pushers who contribute to environmental degradation. In February 2025, LAWMA arrested over 25 individuals for illegal waste disposal, including six vehicle owners caught dumping large volumes of waste. This operation was a direct response to public complaints about indiscriminate dumping near Abati Primary School in Alimosho. Environmental NGOs have acknowledged the government’s efforts but stress the need for more sustainable and long-term solutions.