Environmental Review-Ejigbo LCDA

[Audio] Environmental Review-Ejigbo LCDA Temitope Elijah Isiaka Learner ID: 097611 Nexford University SCI2150: Environmental Science Prof. Carolyn Hess August 20th, 2025.

[Audio] Table of Content Background of the Local council Identifying environmental issues/risks/problems Proposed Changes Justification of why the changes are necessary and the impact Impact as an Individual Citizen on Environmental Sustainability References.

[Audio] Background of the LCDA Ejigbo LCDA (Local Council Development Area) is a suburb local government unit within Oshodi‑Isolo LGA, Lagos State, Nigeria. It's one of 37 LCDAs created to bring governance closer to residents. It comprises six wards ; Aigbaka, Ailegun, Fadu, Ifoshi, Ilamoshe, and Oke‑Afa. The LCDA is chaired by Hon. Monsuru Oloyede Bello (OBE) elected July 2017. The local council faces several serious environmental and infrastructure problems that greatly impact the health and quality of life for its people. Ejigbo is highly populated and home to a huge petroleum depot (NNPC), making it both commercially significant and infrastructurally constrained..

[Audio] Environmental Issues Flooding and Drainage issues - One of the biggest issues is bad drainage, which leads to frequent and heavy flooding, especially during the rainy season usually April to October (Rapheal, 2022). Many of the drainage systems in Ejigbo are either clogged with trash dumped by residents or not properly constructed, causing roads to turn into waterlogged areas filled with stagnant water(Amos, 2024). Food Contamination & Health Threats - Another significant issue is food safety, with diseases such as Lassa fever being spread by inadequate storage techniques and rat infestations. Ejigbo LCDA advises residents to store food correctly, avoid rodent-infested products, and perform fumigation operations (Webmaster, 2016)..

[Audio] Environmental Issues Waste Management Challenges: Waste is often poured into canals and gutters, creating obstructions and providing habitat for disease-carrying bacteria. A local market was constructed atop a landfill surrounded by plastic, e-waste, and trash piles. There are health risks to the public because of the presence of insects and scavengers at the location(Amos, 2024). Air and Water Pollution Risks: The LCDA area has poor air quality due to waste burning and traffic congestion. The Lagos Air Quality Index (AQI) and Nigeria Air Pollution | IQAiR report that daily PM₂.₅ values above 40 µg/m³ are associated with respiratory problems..

[Audio] Proposed Changes to Mitigate Environmental issues Implement Structured Waste Management and Recycling Programs via LAWMA’s initiatives Construct and Maintain Proper Drainage Systems Promote the Use of Natural or Eco-Friendly Food Preservatives by encouraging traders and households to use safe, natural food preservation methods (e.g., drying, refrigeration) Encourage Tree Planting and Green Spaces Educate and Empower Residents Through Environmental Awareness Campaigns.

[Audio] Justification & Impact of Changes Implementing community-wide garbage classification (organic, plastic, and metal) and collaborating with the State garbage Management Authority (LAWMA) for regular collection will prevent unlawful dumping and drainage blockages. This reduces flooding and fosters a cleaner, healthier environment (LAWMA, 2023). well-planned drainage with adequate flow channels and regular desilting will prevent water stagnation and reduce flood risks. It also helps prevent mosquito breeding and associated diseases like malaria. Proper storage of food will reduce food contamination, minimize the risk of harmful bacteria spreading, and helps preserve the taste, texture, and appearance of food. Planting trees and managing communal gardens contribute to carbon absorption, heat reduction, and erosion prevention. It also beautifies the atmosphere and enhances air quality. Conducting community education programs on cleanliness, recycling, and flood control encourages locals to adopt responsible behavior. Active citizen participation ensures the long-term viability of environmental solutions while reducing reliance on government intervention alone..

[Audio] Impact as an Individual Citizen on Environmental Sustainability Always dispose waste in designated bins and avoid dumping into gutters or canals. This prevents flooding, protects drainage systems, and reduces health hazards. Separate plastics, organics, and paper waste at home. This supports Lagos’ recycling efforts and reduces landfill pressure. Carry reusable bags, water bottles, and food containers. Avoiding disposable plastics helps reduce environmental pollution and drainage blockages. Join monthly clean-up exercises (e.g., Lagos Environmental Sanitation Day) and encourage neighbors to do the same. Collective effort keeps the environment clean and builds community responsibility. Turn off taps and lights when not in use. Simple steps like fixing leaks and unplugging appliances help preserve natural resources and lower emissions. Share knowledge on environmental issues through social media, community forums, or schools. Educating others creates awareness and inspires wider action for sustainability..

[Audio] References Amos. (2024, May 10). Residents decry discharge of wastewater on Ejigbo roads, fear health hazards. The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. https://guardian.ng/news/residents-decry-discharge-of-waste-water-on-ejigbo-roads-fear-health-hazards Daily Trust. (2023, May 13). Ejigbo LCDA mounts campaign against Lassa fever. https://dailytrust.com/ejigbo-lcda-mounts-campaign-against-lassa-fever/ Folarin, S. (2020, September 23). Killing them softly: A Lagos community where residents drink, bathe with petrol water - Punch Newspapers. Punch Newspapers. https://punchng.com/killing-them-softly-a-lagos-community-where-residents-drink-bathe-with-petrol-water Lagos Air Quality Index (AQI) and Nigeria Air Pollution | IQAiR. (n.d.). https://www.iqair.com/nigeria/lagos/lagos Lagos State Ministry of the Environment. (2021). Flood management and drainage projects report. Lagos State Government. LAWMA. (2023). Lagos waste management initiatives and community engagements. Lagos State Waste Management Authority. https://lawma.gov.ng Rapheal. (2022, July 18). Ejigbo: Lagos community where good roads are taboo – The Sun Nigeria. The Sun Nigeria. https://thesun.ng/ejigbo-lagos-community-where-good-roads-are-taboo United Nations Environment Programme. (2021). Benefits of urban green infrastructure. https://www.unep.org/resources/report/benefits-urban-green-infrastructure.

[Audio] Thank You. Thank You.