A short drive away from Kubwa reveals a striking scene at the bustling NNPC junction, a well-known meeting point for residents commuting to various workplaces in the city centre. Unfortunately, this area is overshadowed by a significant issue: a large heap of refuse that has accumulated, detracting from the otherwise vibrant atmosphere.

The drainage channels adjacent to the junction are particularly distressing, clogged with an unsightly collection of garbage that not only emits unpleasant odours but also creates a stagnant mess that poses health risks.

As you continue your journey along the expressway towards Gwarimpa Junction, the situation does not improve. Underneath the imposing structure of the pedestal bridge lies yet another pile of refuse, a source of irritation that catches the eye and serves as a reminder of the neglect faced by these neighbourhoods.

The road leads further into the city centre, where similar scenes repeat—clusters of garbage mar the landscape, walls are stained with unsightly patches of urine, and drainages are choked with a mix of withered leaves and human waste.

This issue is not isolated to just Kubwa; various satellite towns including Jabi, Wuse, Garki, and Gwarimpa share the same plight as they grapple with the abundance of refuse that remains unattended. The neighbouring areas of Bwari, Suburi, and Dutse also reflect the same unfortunate reality, where poor waste management and a lack of community cleanup efforts result in a deteriorating urban environment that affects the quality of life for residents.

Speaking with residents regarding the proliferation of refuse clusters throughout Abuja, many expressed that this issue stems from a combination of governmental neglect and the complacent attitudes of citizens. They voiced significant doubts about the competence of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), the agency tasked with maintaining the city’s cleanliness and sanitation.

A chef residing in Gwarimpa, Simon Jide, shared his frustration with the deteriorating state of cleanliness in the capital.

Emphasising the severity of the situation, he observed that refuse clusters have emerged at multiple locations, notably along the first, second, and third avenues, a phenomenon that hasn’t been witnessed in such magnitude before.

“There is blatant filth at notable spots, as the bus stops near Wuse Market,” Adewale noted.
Describing the unsightly scene, he disclosed that it includes not just discarded waste, but also stains of what appears to be urine, withered leaves, and remnants of grocery wraps.

In Gwarimpa, he stated: “Refuse heaps are now a common sight across all avenues, the AEPB has proven ineffective in addressing these sanitation challenges.”

Chinonso Uche, a civil servant based in Kubwa, echoed these sentiments, urging the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to undertake a comprehensive reform of the sanitation department overseeing Kubwa.

Uche pointed out a particularly troubling site, the bridge in PW, which has become a notorious dumping ground for
refuse. She recounted a chilling incident from 2021, where human remains were discovered in a bag beneath the bridge, underscoring the urgent need for improved sanitary measures.

“Communities like PW Bridge, Phase 4 Bridge, Chikakore, and Byazhine are witnessing a rapid decline in their environmental quality due to the escalating refuse clusters. These heaps of waste pose a substantial health risk to the residents living in these areas,” she said.

Idris Aliyu, a long-time resident from Dutse, added another layer to the issue, asserting that the residents of Abuja themselves play a crucial role in the increasing refuse problem.

He indicated that the surge of individuals displaced by insurgency in northern regions has led to a strain on the sanitary infrastructure that the Abuja Environmental Protection Board is equipped with.

In his words, “To address the challenges effectively, the administration led by Minister Wike must not only focus on infrastructural development but also enhance the capabilities of the AEPB by providing additional waste bins.

“Having lived in Abuja for over 30 years, I’ve witnessed firsthand how a significant population increase has overwhelmed the AEPB’s capacity to fulfil its responsibilities. While Minister Wike’s efforts in infrastructure development are commendable, it is equally important to invest in the sanitation framework to ensure a clean environment for all.”

The Abuja Environmental Protection Board must intensify its efforts to restore the cleanliness and sanitation of the capital city, responding effectively to both the growing population demands and the lack of civic responsibility among residents.