Open Defecation: Lagos Deploys 1,710 Public Toilets Across The State, Orders Business Outfits To Make Their Restrooms Accessible To The Public

The Lagos State Government has deployed 1,710 functional public toilets across the state and directed businesses, including restaurants, filling stations and banks, to make their restrooms accessible to members of the public.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this in a post on X on Saturday, noting that the facilities are strategically located to serve both residents and visitors.

Wahab said government alone cannot eliminate open defecation, urging private establishments that serve the public to support ongoing sanitation efforts by allowing access to their restrooms where feasible.

He explained that the initiative is designed to significantly expand sanitation coverage across the state through collaboration between government and the private sector.

According to him, enforcement of environmental sanitation laws is also being strengthened alongside the expansion of infrastructure.

He wrote, “As part of our sustained efforts to eliminate open defecation and improve public sanitation across Lagos State, we currently have 1,710 functioning public toilets strategically located across the state for residents and visitors.

“However, government cannot do this alone. We are encouraging businesses such as filling stations, banks, eateries, and other public-facing facilities to make their restrooms accessible to the public where possible. This collaborative approach will significantly complement government efforts and expand access to sanitation facilities across the state”.

He added that authorities are arresting and prosecuting individuals caught engaging in open defecation in accordance with the law.

He said the measures were necessary to protect public health, preserve dignity, and maintain a cleaner environment for all.

“At the same time, we continue to enforce environmental sanitation laws. Individuals caught engaging in open defecation are being arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law. These measures are necessary to protect public health, preserve dignity, and maintain a cleaner environment for all”, he added.

Wahab described access to sanitation as a shared responsibility. He stressed that residents and businesses must play their part as the government continues to expand infrastructure to ensure Lagos remains clean, safe, and habitable.

He concluded, “Access to sanitation is a shared responsibility. While government continues to expand infrastructure, residents and businesses must also play their part in ensuring Lagos remains clean, safe, and habitable”.

  

Categories: News, The Environments