The Lagos State Government has urged banks, eateries, filling stations and other private establishments to allow members of the public access to their restrooms as part of renewed efforts to end open defecation and improve sanitation across the state.
The appeal comes as the government disclosed that 1,710 public toilets have already been provided in strategic locations across Lagos, noting that the facilities are still not enough for the state’s rapidly increasing population.
Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said in a statement on Saturday that government intervention alone cannot solve the sanitation challenge, stressing the need for private sector cooperation.
“The 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,” he said.
He added that wider participation from private businesses would help increase access to sanitation facilities and reduce cases of open defecation in public places.
Wahab also said enforcement of environmental sanitation laws had been intensified, with offenders being arrested and prosecuted.
“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 stated.
