Residents living in the Ado and Kurudu areas of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have voiced serious concerns about a growing waste disposal crisis, warning that the situation is fast becoming an environmental and health emergency.
In a formal appeal addressed to the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, dated May 31, 2025, residents expressed alarm over the deteriorating sanitation situation in several satellite towns, including Gwagwalada, Karu, Kuje, and Bwari.
The petition, signed by Alhaji Babayo Braimah on behalf of the affected residents, paints a bleak picture of the near-collapse of waste disposal systems in these densely populated areas.
According to the letter, the failure of waste collection services has led to the unchecked accumulation of garbage, which now clogs roads, blocks drainage systems, and spills into residential areas. “The satellite towns are submerged under mountains of uncollected refuse,” the letter reads. “What were once designated waste collection points have transformed into full-fledged landfills, overflowing into our homes and streets.”
The residents attribute the dire situation to the withdrawal of waste management contractors who allegedly abandoned their duties due to over 10 months of unpaid service fees. “These contractors, having fulfilled their contractual obligations, have now demobilized and vacated their assigned zones,” the petition states. “This financial neglect by the relevant authorities has plunged our communities into a sanitation catastrophe.”
The environmental implications, the letter warns, are severe and far-reaching. As decomposing waste piles continue to grow, residents report a sharp rise in health concerns. “The trash heaps are breeding grounds for deadly diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and malaria,” the petition notes. “Children are exposed to hazardous play areas while residents endure suffocating stench and toxic emissions.”
With the rainy season setting in, blocked drainage systems pose an additional threat of widespread flooding. The residents fear that floodwaters mixed with waste leachate may contaminate local water sources, increasing the risk of waterborne illnesses.
Furthermore, the indiscriminate burning of refuse—adopted by some as a desperate alternative—has led to a spike in respiratory issues among both children and the elderly.
The crisis has also taken a toll on the local economy. Residents report that small businesses are losing customers due to the unsanitary environment, while property values have declined significantly. “Our once-vibrant communities have become zones of squalor and frustration,” the petition laments.
In light of the escalating situation, the residents are calling on Minister Wike to intervene urgently. Their demands include:
- Immediate payment of outstanding debts to waste management contractors to facilitate the resumption of services.
- Emergency cleanup operations across affected communities to prevent flooding and reduce disease risks.
- Development of a sustainable waste management strategy, including regular monitoring, contractor accountability, and capacity building.
- Community engagement and participation, involving local leaders in crafting long-term, locally tailored solutions.
Despite the gravity of the situation, the residents expressed hope that Minister Wike—renowned for his assertive leadership—would act swiftly to mitigate the crisis. “We are confident that the Honourable Minister will not allow this situation to escalate further and will take decisive steps to protect the lives and dignity of FCT residents,” the letter concludes.