Lagos State Government To Construct 10,000 Public Toilets To Tackle Open Defecation.
The Lagos State Government has unveiled an ambitious plan to construct 10,000 public toilets across the state, aiming to eradicate open defecation and enhance sanitation for millions of residents. The initiative, announced by the state’s Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, marks a significant step towards achieving a cleaner and healthier Lagos.
The decision follows a report by PUNCH Healthwise highlighting the persistent challenge of open defecation in Nigeria’s commercial capital, where limited access to public sanitation facilities has long been a public health concern. The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, confirmed that the project will involve collaboration with local communities, private partners, and international organisations to ensure its success. “Our goal is to provide safe, accessible, and affordable sanitation for all Lagosians, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals,” Wahab stated.
The initiative will prioritise densely populated areas, including markets, bus terminals, and low-income communities, where open defecation is most prevalent. The state plans to roll out the construction in phases, with the first 2,000 toilets expected to be completed by mid-2026. Each facility will be equipped with modern amenities, including water supply and waste management systems, to ensure hygiene and sustainability. Additionally, the government is exploring eco-friendly designs, such as bio-digesters, to minimise environmental impact.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu reiterated the state’s commitment to improving public health, noting that the project complements ongoing efforts to provide clean water and upgrade drainage systems. “Open defecation is a challenge we must confront head-on. These toilets will not only improve sanitation but also restore dignity to our people,” he said during a press briefing.
The initiative has garnered praise from health and environmental experts. Dr. Amina Yusuf, a public health advocate, described the move as a game-changer for Lagos. “Access to proper sanitation reduces the spread of diseases like cholera and typhoid, which disproportionately affect vulnerable communities,” she noted. The government also plans to launch awareness campaigns to educate residents on the importance of using the new facilities and maintaining hygiene standards.
To ensure the project’s sustainability, the state is engaging local government councils to oversee maintenance and operation of the toilets, with potential for public-private partnerships to fund ongoing costs. Community leaders have been urged to support the initiative by discouraging open defecation and promoting the use of the new facilities.
This bold step underscores Lagos State’s determination to transform its sanitation landscape, setting a precedent for other Nigerian states and reinforcing its position as a leader in urban development. The government’s proactive approach promises to deliver lasting benefits for public health, environmental sustainability, and the well-being of its residents.