Premium Times reporters recently toured several neighbourhoods on Lagos Island, uncovering a widespread problem in which residential buildings are discharging wastewater and sewage directly into public drainage systems.
The investigation revealed that the illegal dumping of domestic effluent has turned the city’s public drains into open sewage channels, creating a serious health hazard for nearby residents. The practice contravenes Nigeria’s environmental regulations, which prohibit the discharge of untreated sewage into public drainage.
Local authorities have issued warnings that such violations can lead to the spread of water‑borne diseases and contamination of groundwater sources. Despite these risks, the reporters found no evidence of enforcement action in the communities they visited.
Experts say that the continued use of public drains for sewage disposal not only undermines public health but also strains the city’s already overburdened sanitation infrastructure. The findings highlight the urgent need for stricter monitoring and enforcement of environmental laws in Lagos.
<small>Source: Premium Times Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
