5 dirtiest states in Nigeria

In 1973, the United Nations General Assembly and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) set aside June 5 every year as World Environment Day (WED) to address environmental issues like global warming, deforestation and food shortages among many others.

Considered as one of the greatest annual events, the day aims at raising awareness about the leading issue of environmental sustainability.

Despite efforts by both the federal government and state ministries of environment, some states in Nigeria have remained dirty.

In no particular order, here are the five dirties states in Nigeria;

1. Ekiti state: A recent survey conducted by the Community-led Total Sanitation (CLTS) ranked Ekiti as the state with the highest number of persons who openly defecate in Nigeria. About 1.8 million residents of the state out of a total population of 2.7 million is believed to engage in the menace.

With heaps of waste along the New Ilawe Road (Few kilometres from the state House of Assembly), Ajilosun, Bank road, Oja Oba (Yoruba word meaning "King's market") and other locations in the state, Ekiti is sure one of the dirtiest states in Nigeria.

2. Lagos state: Often referred to as the Nigeria's commercial nerve centre, Lagos state is one of the most populated states in Nigeria, a situation which has stretched its infrastructures such as housing, health care, roads and waste management system beyond limits. The resultant effects is the development of suburbs, slums and ghettos with the poorest environmental conditions within the state.

The Dustbin Estate located in Awodiora, Ajeromi Ifelodun Area which is an expansive shack settlement erected on a heap of refuse located beside a canal, which drains waste, and floodwater out of Ajegunle is a good example.

Despite the activities of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), residents still dump waste in drainages and canals in the state which leads to obstruction of the waterway.

3. Benue state: Also called the "Food basket of the nation," Benue is one of the states with the poorest environmental condition. Makurdi, lacks the features of a modern day state capital. Despite the existence of the popular River Benue, 80 per cent of the city lack potable drinking water. From North Bank, Wurukum, Wadata residents dump waste in drainages, uncompleted buildings and roads.

4. Oyo state: The ancient city of Ibadan is the third most populated city in Nigeria. Like Lagos, its huge population is the major reason for this.

5. Abia state: Popular for the production of over 70 percent of all locally produced goods in Nigeria, Aba (located in Abia state) has been ranked among the dirtiest in the state. Abia is also battling with the case of erosion which constantly destroys roads leading to loss of lives and properties.