{
  "id": 10873837,
  "title": "Lagos commissioner, Rhodes-Vivour disagree over waste management, flooding",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/lagos-commissioner-rhodes-vivour-disagree-over-waste-management-10873837",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-30T06:16:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/lagos-commissioner-rhodes-vivour-disagree-over-waste-management-flooding/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, and the 2027 Lagos gubernatorial hopeful of the African Democratic Congress, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, have clashed over the state government's waste management and flooding control efforts. The dispute erupted after Rhodes-Vivour criticized the state's handling of waste and flooding during an appearance on a television program. Wahab defended the state's actions, acknowledging some concerns but arguing that Rhodes-Vivour's statements were misleading. Lagos produces an estimated 13,000 to 15,000 tonnes of municipal waste daily, and the Lagos Waste Management Authority, along with private sector operators, collected around 418,500 tonnes of waste in May 2026 alone, averaging 13,200 tonnes per day. Wahab emphasized that the issue is complex, with delays at disposal sites affecting collection schedules and contributing to refuse accumulation. He highlighted ongoing investments in modern facilities, recycling, and energy recovery projects. When it comes to flooding, Wahab pointed out that the commissioner's criticism should consider Lagos' coastal location, tidal influences, and climate change impacts. Despite ongoing challenges, Wahab stressed that significant progress has been made in reducing flooding incidents, noting a reduction of 75 to 80 percent statewide. He urged a focus on measurable outcomes rather than negative descriptions of the city's condition.",
  "summary": "Lagos Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab and Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour disagree over the state’s waste management and flooding after the ADC candidate called Lagos ‘st Read More: https://punchng.com/lagos-commissioner-rhodes-vivour-disagree-over-waste-management-flooding/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": "The public disagreement between Lagos officials over waste and flooding management highlights the complexities and challenges in addressing these issues, with implications for the state's environmental policies and public perception.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "Lagos commissioner, Rhodes-Vivour disagree over waste management, flooding",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/lagos-commissioner-rhodes-vivour-disagree-over-waste-management",
        "published": "2026-09-30T05:54:53.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}