Lagos- A new study by Gbemileke Apata, David Onyemenue, and Adedeji Oyenuga from Lagos State University reveals alarming environmental and health risks faced by communities living near the Soluos dumpsite in Igando, Lagos State.
Published in 2026 in the International Journal of Applied and Advanced Multidisciplinary Research, the research documents how long-term exposure to pollution, contaminated water, and toxic fumes from the landfill is linked to increased cases of malaria, respiratory infections, skin diseases, and waterborne illnesses among nearby residents.
The findings highlight a growing environmental justice issue in Lagos, where rapid urban expansion has pushed residential neighborhoods closer to large waste disposal sites. The Soluos landfill in the Igando–Alimosho corridor now sits dangerously close to homes, markets, and even hospitals.
Researchers warn that without urgent policy intervention, the dumpsite may continue to pose a serious public health threat to thousands of residents.
Rapid Urban Growth Meets Waste Crisis
Lagos is one of Africa’s fastest-growing megacities. With more than 20 million residents, the city produces massive volumes of solid waste every day. Much of this waste ends up in open landfill sites such as the Soluos dumpsite.
Over time, residential development expanded toward the landfill. What was once a distant waste disposal facility is now surrounded by homes, small businesses, schools, and healthcare facilities.
According to the researchers from Lagos State University, this proximity has created a “dangerous intersection between environmental pollution and human habitation.”
Residents report constant exposure to foul odors, smoke from landfill fires, and contamination of groundwater used for drinking and domestic purposes.
How the Research Was Conducted
The research team used a qualitative phenomenological approach to understand the lived experiences of people living near the dumpsite.
Key details of the study include:
- Location: Soluos 3 Dumpsite, Igando, Alimosho Local Government Area, Lagos
- Participants: 20 long-term residents
- Criteria: Residents living within 500 meters of the dumpsite for at least seven years
- Data collection: In-depth interviews
- Data analysis: Thematic content analysis
This approach allowed researchers to capture detailed narratives about environmental conditions, health problems, and governance challenges in the area.
Major Environmental Problems Identified
Residents consistently reported severe environmental degradation around the dumpsite.
Key environmental hazards include:
- Toxic Air Pollution: Frequent landfill fires release thick smoke and toxic gases into surrounding communities. Many residents described persistent breathing difficulties and chest discomfort.
- Strong Odor and Air Contamination :Unbearable smells from decomposing waste are common, especially during rainfall or hot weather. These odors often trigger headaches, nausea, and respiratory irritation.
- Groundwater Contamination: Leachate—liquid produced when waste decomposes—seeps into the soil and contaminates nearby boreholes. Some residents reported that their well water changed color.
- Disease-Spreading Insects: Flies and mosquitoes breed rapidly around the dumpsite, increasing the risk of infectious diseases.
Health Risks Reported by Residents
The study found a clear pattern of health problems among people living near the landfill.
Common illnesses reported include:
- Malaria
- Respiratory infections
- Skin rashes and irritation
- Typhoid fever
- Cholera and other waterborne diseases
The researchers also found a correlation between the length of residence near the dumpsite and the severity of health problems.
Residents who had lived in the area for longer periods often experienced more frequent illness.
Psychological Adaptation to Pollution
One of the most striking findings of the study was how residents gradually adapt to the polluted environment.
Many participants described how the smell, smoke, and contamination eventually become normalized.
According to the study, this psychological adaptation can mask the severity of environmental hazards.
“People eventually stop reacting to the smell and pollution because survival requires them to continue living and working in the area,” explained Adedeji Oyenuga of Lagos State University.
The researchers describe this phenomenon as a form of environmental desensitization, where communities become accustomed to living in unhealthy conditions.
Economic Survival Inside a Toxic Environment
Despite the health risks, the dumpsite also functions as a source of income for many residents.
Informal waste pickers collect recyclable materials such as:
- Iron and scrap metals
- Copper wire
- Aluminum
- Plastic bottles
These materials are sold to recycling buyers.
However, the work is extremely dangerous. Most waste pickers operate without gloves, boots, or protective equipment, exposing themselves to cuts, infections, and toxic fumes.
The researchers suggest that integrating these workers into formal recycling systems could improve both environmental sustainability and worker safety.
Governance Failures and Environmental Justice
The study also highlights major governance gaps in waste management.
Residents reported:
- Lack of health inspections
- Limited environmental monitoring
- Absence of risk communication during landfill fires
- Weak enforcement of urban planning regulations
From the perspective of Environmental Justice Theory, the situation reflects how marginalized communities often bear the heaviest environmental burdens.
Low-income populations living near the dumpsite have limited political influence and fewer options for relocation.
As a result, they remain exposed to environmental hazards created by the broader city.
Policy Recommendations
To address the crisis, the researchers propose several policy interventions:
- Waste-to-Energy Conversion: Capturing landfill methane for energy production could reduce emissions while generating electricity
- Phased Closure of Soluos DumpsiteGradual decommissioning of the site would reduce long-term environmental damage.
- Strict Buffer Zones: Urban planning laws should enforce a minimum 500-meter residential buffer around landfill sites.
- Groundwater Protection: Government should provide treated piped water to communities currently relying on contaminated boreholes.
- Support for Informal Waste Workers
Author Profiles
- Gbemileke Apata: Environmental researcher affiliated with Lagos State University, Nigeria, specializing in urban environmental sustainability and waste management.
- David Onyemenue: Social science researcher focusing on urban governance, environmental justice, and community resilience in rapidly growing cities.
- Adedeji Oyenuga
Source
- Journal Article: Environmental and Health Challenges of Living on Dumpsite: A Study of Soluos Dumpsite, Lagos State
- Journal: International Journal of Applied and Advanced Multidisciplinary Research (IJAAMR)
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.59890/ijaamr.v4i2.181
- Journal Website: https://nvlmultitechpublisher.my.id/index.php/ijaamr/index
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