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Lagos authorities have begun clearing massive amounts of refuse from the Oshodi Bus Terminal corridor following reports by Punch Metro highlighting the issue. The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) deployed trucks and workers to address the accumulation of waste, which had caused severe discomfort among nearby residents, traders, and commuters due to the foul smell and potential health hazards. The cleanup efforts began after Punch highlighted the problem on Wednesday, despite earlier directives from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to accelerate waste removal across the state. The situation in Oshodi had worsened during the rainy season, making it difficult for waste management crews to store collected refuse effectively. According to local traders and residents, the waste had piled up for weeks, creating an unsanitary environment. However, following the media coverage, LAWMA initiated a major cleanup operation starting on Tuesday night and continued through Thursday. By Thursday afternoon, noticeable progress had been made, with several large heaps of refuse removed and the overall odor significantly reduced. Traders and residents welcomed the intervention, noting that the presence of LAWMA personnel and machinery had visibly improved the area. Adeoye, a trader at Oshodi Market, confirmed that the cleanup had reached his part of the market. He stated that workers had been actively removing waste from early Tuesday until the morning of Thursday. “They packed the refuse in front of my shop this morning. I think they are waiting for another truck to remove the remaining heap,” he explained. He added that the rainy season posed challenges for waste storage, but the effort to clear the area was commendable. Tobe, a local resident, praised the response from LAWMA and expressed confidence that the remaining waste would soon be addressed. “They have been here. Thank God. They removed one large heap this morning, and they are still trying. I don’t know about other places, but they have really tried for us here in Oshodi this week,” he said. His sentiment echoed that of many others who had witnessed the improvement in the environment. Mr. Ayeni, another trader, acknowledged the positive impact of the cleanup. “They have started packing the refuse. They came yesterday, and I saw one of their trucks when I opened my shop. We want to thank LAWMA for the good job. At least it is much better now. Last week was terrible. I just hope they continue coming so the place remains clean,” he remarked. The visible reduction in waste and the presence of LAWMA vehicles signaled a shift toward a more hygienic setting. Okechukwu, a resident, noted that the cleanup had been ongoing for two days, with heavy-duty equipment being used to manage the waste. “One of the caterpillars is working over there, and it’s been here since Tuesday. One of their trucks was filled and left. I believe they will continue working till evening and finish up today,” he said. The deployment of specialized machinery indicated a serious commitment to resolving the issue efficiently. Silas, another local, described the cleanup as a welcome change. “They are trying their best. They came on Tuesday, and now only this small heap is left. Everybody wants to stay in a clean environment. Since they started clearing the refuse, we have been feeling much better. If they remove the remaining heap today, the place will be much cleaner than before,” he said. The collective sentiment among residents was one of relief and appreciation for the efforts being made. In a phone interview on Thursday, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director of LAWMA, confirmed that the evacuation exercise was still in progress. He noted that a significant amount of the accumulated refuse had already been cleared, with dedicated teams continuing to work on the remaining areas. “LAWMA’s intervention at the Oshodi Bus Terminal is still ongoing. A substantial volume of the accumulated waste has already been evacuated, while clearance of the remaining areas is continuing,” he said. The authority expects the cleanup to be completed later in the day.