Govt promises more toilets to curb open defecation

The Lagos State Government on Wednesday reaffirmed its commitment to expanding safe, accessible, and sustainable sanitation infrastructure across the state, with a renewed focus on ending open defecation through the construction of additional public toilets.

Speaking at the 2025 World Toilet Day celebration held at the Eko FM Multi-Purpose Hall, Ikeja, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab—represented by the Managing Director of the Lagos State Advertising and Signage Agency, Prince Fatiu Akinolu—said the state remained committed to achieving an open defecation-free Lagos in line with the national 2030 target.

Wahab announced recent efforts aimed at expanding toilet infrastructure, stating that the present administration had approved the construction of an additional 20 public toilets, comprising 10 units each, bringing the total to 200 units to be added to the existing 1,710 toilets located across the state.

He added that the state was determined to strengthen the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office to enhance its capacity to manage faecal sludge efficiently.

“The state is in partnership with WaterAid Nigeria to conduct a pivotal study on the sanitation circular economy, which will identify opportunities in faecal sludge management and involve strategic collaboration to foster sustainable sanitation practices,” he said.

He said other collaborations are being done with development partners, including WaterAid Nigeria, UNICEF, USAID, and the World Bank, among others.

Stressing the significance of World Toilet Day, Wahab said the event aimed to raise awareness about the urgent need for safe and sustainable sanitation for all.

Highlighting the theme of the celebration, “We’ll Always Need the Toilet,” he noted that the message called for decisive action to protect and expand sanitation access despite challenges such as aging infrastructure, rising demand and climate impacts.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Gaji Omobolaji—represented by the Director, Environmental Education Unit, Monsurat Banire—emphasised the life-saving importance of safe toilets.

“No matter what lies ahead, we will always rely on sanitation to protect us from diseases and keep our environment clean,” he said.

Delivering a lecture titled “Sanitation in a Changing World: We’ll always need the Toilet,” Prof. Babatunde Onajobi urged participants to view sanitation not just as a service but as a fundamental human right.

He called for collective advocacy for policies, prioritised sanitation funding, improved infrastructure, hygiene awareness and partnerships that can deliver innovative solutions.