Lagos Environmental Crackdown: NITEL Building in Obalende Sealed Over Illegal Sewage Discharge

 

​The Lagos State Government has taken a decisive step in its ongoing campaign for environmental sanity by sealing the old NITEL building located on MacCarthy Street, Obalende, Lagos Island. On February 21, 2026, officials from the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO), supported by the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) corps, shut down the facility following confirmed reports of a massive environmental violation. The building, a historic landmark now largely occupied by unauthorized settlers, was found to be deliberately discharging raw sewage into public drainage channels, posing a severe health risk to the surrounding community.

​The Source of the Conflict: Raw Sewage in Public Drains

​The intervention was prompted by persistent complaints from residents and a thorough investigation by environmental health inspectors. According to a statement issued by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, the occupants of the NITEL building had bypassed proper wastewater management protocols. Instead of utilizing septic systems or approved treatment facilities, untreated human waste was being channeled directly into the street gutters.

​This illegal practice created what the Ministry described as a "serious environmental nuisance." Beyond the unbearable stench that had plagued MacCarthy Street and the wider Obalende axis, the discharge of raw effluent into open drains significantly increases the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid, especially in a high-density area like Lagos Island.

​Squatters and Illegal Occupation at NITEL MacCarthy

​A major factor in the building’s decline is its occupation by squatters. Commissioner Wahab noted that the old NITEL building had become a haven for individuals whose presence "could not be properly accounted for." Living without authorization or coordination, these occupants failed to maintain the building's internal plumbing and waste disposal systems, leading to the current crisis.

​The sealing of the building is part of a broader "Zero Tolerance" policy by the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration regarding environmental abuse. The government emphasized that being a squatter is no excuse for violating the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law.

​Health Risks and Environmental Impact

​The discharge of raw sewage is not just a cleanliness issue; it is a biosecurity threat. When wastewater enters public drains, it eventually finds its way into the groundwater and surrounding lagoons. The environmental impact includes:

• ​Groundwater Contamination: Seepage from open drains can pollute local wells and boreholes.
• ​Epidemic Outbreaks: High-density areas like Obalende are at risk of rapid disease transmission when sanitation fails.
• ​Infrastructure Damage: Corrosive waste can damage drainage infrastructure, leading to blockages and flooding.

​Lagos State’s Warning to Property Owners and Residents

​This enforcement action serves as a stern warning to other property owners and facility managers across Lagos. The Commissioner reiterated that the state would not hesitate to prosecute individuals or organizations found guilty of environmental pollution. "Lagos enjoins all residents to adopt proper wastewater management and hygiene practices to safeguard public health," the statement read.

​The government’s message is clear: whether a property is government-owned, private, or currently under occupation by unauthorized persons, the responsibility to manage waste correctly remains non-negotiable.

​Conclusion: A Cleaner, Safer Obalende

​The sealing of the Obalende NITEL building is a victory for the law-abiding residents of the area who have endured the fallout of this pollution. As the LSWMO and KAI continue their surveillance, the focus remains on transforming Lagos into a sustainable and healthy mega-city. For the residents of MacCarthy Street, the closure of this facility marks the beginning of a cleaner, more hygienic environment.