By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
The Lagos State Government has ramped up its campaign against open defecation, disclosing that 1,710 public toilets are now functional and strategically positioned across the state to enhance public health and sanitation.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, highlighted the deployment as a key component of the state’s urban sustainability agenda.
While the government continues to expand infrastructure, Wahab emphasized that private sector participation is vital.
He urged businesses, including filling stations, banks, and eateries, to open their restroom facilities to the public to complement state efforts.
Wahab also issued a stern warning that environmental sanitation laws will be strictly enforced, with individuals caught engaging in open defecation facing arrest and prosecution.
“These measures are necessary to safeguard public health and preserve human dignity,” he stated.
Supporting this initiative, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, called on residents to take collective responsibility for their surroundings.
He urged citizens to protect and maintain public infrastructure, noting that the sustainability of these investments depends on proper usage by the public.
This integrated approach, combining infrastructure, private sector collaboration, and legal enforcement, marks a decisive step toward achieving a cleaner and more habitable Lagos.