Lagos State Intensifies Anti-Open Defecation Drive; Urges Private Sector to Open Restrooms

Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab calls on Lagos businesses to open restrooms to the public as the state ramps up efforts to end open defecation.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 18, 2026, 8:21 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Guardian Nigeria

Strategic Expansion of Public Sanitation Infrastructure

The Lagos State Government has accelerated its campaign to improve public hygiene by revealing that 1,710 functional public toilets are now operational across the state. Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, stated that these facilities have been strategically placed to maximize resident and visitor access. However, officials noted that despite the current distribution, the government requires additional support to meet the total demand of the state’s massive and growing population.

Call for Private Sector Collaboration

In a move to bridge the sanitation gap, Commissioner Wahab has formally appealed to private businesses—specifically filling stations, banks, and eateries—to make their existing restrooms accessible to the public where feasible. The government views this collaboration as a vital component of its broader sanitation drive, suggesting that if public-facing establishments open their facilities, it would significantly boost the state’s overall sanitation coverage without the immediate need for massive new infrastructure projects.

Enforcement and Public Health Mandates

The state has reaffirmed a zero-tolerance policy regarding open defecation to protect public health and maintain environmental standards. Wahab warned that the government would strictly enforce environmental sanitation laws, with security agencies authorized to arrest and prosecute individuals caught engaging in open defecation. These enforcement measures are described as necessary steps to safeguard human dignity and ensure that Lagos remains a habitable and safe environment for all citizens.