Residents of Karu and other satellite communities on the outskirts of Abuja are raising alarm over worsening environmental conditions caused by unmanaged waste, describing daily life as unbearable due to persistent foul odours and pollution.
Across major roads and inner streets in Karu, Nyanya, Kurudu, Mararaba, and Kpegyi, piles of refuse spill onto roadsides from makeshift dumps. Burst nylon bags reveal decomposing food, plastics, medical waste, and other hazardous materials, attracting flies, stray animals, and scavengers.
For many low- and middle-income residents who cannot afford housing in the city centre, these satellite towns have become home—but at a steep cost to their health and well-being.
Residents say the stench from the dumpsites lingers from morning till night, seeping into homes and making daily living difficult. Many complain of rising cases of malaria, respiratory infections, skin diseases, and other illnesses linked to the unsanitary environment.
A trader in Nyanya, Comfort Eze, described the situation as suffocating, noting that the smell worsens during hot afternoons and at night, often disrupting sleep. Others say flies constantly invade their homes and food, while visitors cut short their stays due to the unpleasant environment.
Artisans and small business owners also report declining patronage, as customers avoid areas near dumpsites. A mechanic in Karu said the odour has driven clients away, affecting his income, while food vendors and fruit sellers lament losses due to contamination concerns.
Children are among the most vulnerable. With no designated playgrounds, many are forced to play near dumpsites, exposing them to injuries and infections. Parents say they struggle to keep their children safe, as there are few alternatives.
Health experts warn that prolonged exposure to waste sites poses serious risks. According to medical professionals, decomposing refuse releases toxic gases such as methane and carbon monoxide, while stagnant water around dumps creates breeding grounds for disease-carrying insects. Contaminated water sources further heighten the risk of illnesses like cholera and typhoid.
Residents attribute the crisis to poor waste management, irregular refuse collection, and illegal dumping—often carried out at night by waste contractors taking advantage of weak enforcement.
Responding to the concerns, the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) said waste management in satellite towns falls outside its jurisdiction, highlighting gaps in coordination among relevant agencies.
However, residents insist that bureaucratic boundaries should not come at the expense of their health. Many say repeated complaints to authorities have yielded little or no action, leaving them feeling neglected.
There are growing calls for urgent intervention, including improved waste collection systems, stricter enforcement against illegal dumping, and better collaboration among government agencies.
Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has warned refuse contractors against poor performance and indiscriminate dumping, vowing to take action. The administration has also introduced dedicated hotlines for residents to report erring contractors.
Despite these measures, affected communities say immediate and sustained action is needed to address what they now describe as a looming environmental and public health crisis.
