The Lagos State Government has yet to compensate the family of Aishat Muhammed, a road sweeper who was killed in the line of duty on May 7, 2025, despite assurances from the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) following the incident.
Muhammed, like many other Lagos road sweepers, had reported for work at her assigned duty post on the Third Mainland Bridge, Iyana-Woro axis, when tragedy struck. She was knocked down and killed by a vehicle that reportedly lost control due to brake failure.
Following the incident, the matter was reported to LAWMA, which allegedly promised to compensate the family. However, nearly a year later, the family says the agency has gone silent.
“The Lagos Waste Management Authority only told us to bring her death certificate and some other details,” her son, Elijah Ebifemi, told FIJ. “They said they would get back to us, but since then, we have not heard from them.”
Ebifemi explained that his mother took up the road sweeping job in 2021, shortly after the death of her husband in 2020, to support the family. According to him, she earned about N30,000 monthly before tax deductions and worked with LAWMA for four years.
Despite their critical role in keeping Lagos clean, road sweepers continue to face hazardous working conditions, low pay and little to no welfare protection.
Muhammed’s death is not an isolated case. Road sweepers in Lagos have repeatedly been victims of reckless driving, particularly involving vehicles with brake failure. In a recent incident, a LAWMA worker narrowly escaped death after being struck by a truck at the Oja junction along Offin Canal on Eko Bridge, sustaining life-threatening injuries. The truck reportedly also suffered brake failure.
In another fatal case, a female road sweeper was killed on December 20 along Meiran Road, inward Iyana-Ekoro, after a vehicle loaded with beverages reversed recklessly and rammed into her. She died on the spot.
Investigations by FIJ have previously highlighted the plight of Lagos road sweepers, who reportedly earn as little as N40,000 monthly, with no health insurance or additional benefits, despite the dangers associated with their work.
The family of the deceased and labour advocates are now calling on the Lagos State Government to honour its promise of compensation and improve the welfare and safety of road sweepers across the state.
