Lagos State Directs Banks, Filling Stations, and Eateries to Grant Public Access to Restrooms to Combat Open Defecation

Lagos State mandates banks and eateries to provide public toilet access as Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab ramps up enforcement against open defecation.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 18, 2026, 9:35 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Naija News

Private Sector Mandated to Expand Sanitation Access

In a significant escalation of its public health campaign, the Lagos State Government has ordered commercial facilities—specifically banks, filling stations, and eateries—to make their restrooms accessible to the general public. Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, announced the directive on Saturday, April 18, 2026, framing it as a necessary partnership to bridge the state's sanitation gap. While the government maintains a network of 1,710 public toilets, officials argue that the density of the Lagos population requires the active participation of high-traffic private businesses to effectively eliminate open defecation.

Stricter Enforcement and Legal Consequences for Offenders

The new directive is being paired with an aggressive enforcement strategy. Commissioner Wahab confirmed that state authorities have already begun arresting and prosecuting individuals caught engaging in open defecation. By making private restrooms available, the state intends to remove "lack of facilities" as a defense for offenders. The government maintains that these measures are vital to protecting public health, preventing the spread of waterborne diseases, and preserving the environmental dignity of Africa's most populous city.

A Collaborative Approach to Urban Sanitation

Recognizing the limitations of government infrastructure, Wahab described sanitation as a "shared responsibility." He urged business owners to see the opening of their facilities as a service to the community that preserves the habitability of the state. The Commissioner noted that these public-facing facilities are often located in high-traffic areas where state-run toilets may be less accessible, making their cooperation a lynchpin in the state’s long-term environmental master plan.